Subungual glomus tumours: diagnosis and microsurgical excision through a lateral subperiosteal approach

Digital glomus tumour is a rare neoplasm. Surgical excision is the only known curative treatment but the best approach for subungual glomus tumours is still controversial. A total of 12 patients with subungual glomus tumour were reviewed. There were 11 female patients and one male patient, with a mean age of 48.6 years. Surgical procedures were performed using an operative microscope and tumours were excised using the lateral subperiosteal approach. In all, 10 patients were satisfied with the outcome from the lateral operative approach because they were able to use the affected hand for kitchen work shortly after the treatment. One case presented residual tumour and underwent re-operation. No tumour recurrences and nail deformity were detected after excision with the lateral approach. The lateral subperiosteal approach was safe and reliable for the subungual glomus tumour and allowed full access to any glomus tumours. Microscopy allows careful visualisation of the tumour. It is important that surgeons accurately locate tumours to achieve complete excision.