Glomus Tumour of Hand--A Commonly Misdiagnosed Pathology: A Case Series

Glomus tumours are benign neoplasms arising from the glomus body, a network of specialized neuromyoarterial structures containing arteriovenous anastomosis and regulating temperature. It is often misdiagnosed as paronychia, arthritis, traumatic sequelae, and many other conditions including psychiatric misdiagnosis. A typical triad of paroxysmal pain, point tenderness, and cold intolerance characterize it. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice, either by transungual or lateral approaches.

We carried out a retrospective study of cases operated in our department in the last 4 years. Patients are evaluated based on either clinical parameters (Love test, Hildreth test, and cold insensitivity) or radiological parameters (X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging). Parameters such as age, gender, tumour side, presenting complaints, duration of symptoms, diagnostic modality, follow-up duration, recurrence, and postoperative nail deformity were analysed. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was the primary statistical parameter, and the change in VAS score following surgery was analysed with paired t test.

Mean preoperative VAS was 7.75 ± 0.5; in a total of four patients, and following surgery, VAS was reduced to a mean of 1 ± 1.5. Paired t test on the change of VAS score following surgery showed a significant difference in the VAS score (P = 0.002838). The average age was 39.25. The male-to-female ratio was 1:3, and the mean follow-up was 16 months (range 2-48 months). The mean duration of symptoms was 5.75 years (range 2-10 years). Two cases were in the right-hand side, and two cases were on the left-hand side; the thumb was most commonly involved with 50% (n = 2) incidence.

Glomus tumours are often misdiagnosed and are intervened with different treatment options before being surgically intervened. With complete surgical excision, recurrence is nil but postoperative nail growth requires nearly 10 months.

Level IV.