Glomus Cell Tumors: Demographic and Clinical Characteristics

Glomus tumors and glomangiomas are neoplasms derived from modified smooth muscle cells, primarily located in acral skin. They are benign and rare. Glomus tumors typically appear between the ages of 20-40, with 90% being solitary. They are usually accompanied by pulsating pain. Glomangiomas are more common in females, are located on the trunk and extremities, usually asymptomatic.

Describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of glomus tumors and glomangiomas in a general hospital of tertiary care, based on cases studied from January 1994 to December 2023.

An observational, descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional study was conducted using the electronic database of the Dermatopathology Department of General Hospital "Dr. Manuel Gea González" from January 1994 to December 2023.

The study population comprised 63 patients with 69 glomus cell tumors. Among these, 36 lesions were identified in 36 patients - 26 women and 10 men - with an average age of 50.19 years. The most commonly affected anatomical site was the nail bed, with pain being the predominant symptom. Regarding glomangiomas, 33 lesions were recorded in 28 patients - 7 women and 21 men - with an average age of 43.4 years. The forearm was the most frequently affected site, and pain remained the predominant symptom.  Conclusions: Glomus tumors and glomangiomas are painful tumors, with glomus tumors favoring the nail bed and glomangiomas the extremities. Despite their morphological similarities, they should be considered in the differential diagnosis of painful tumors. Accurate histological diagnosis is essential to properly characterize these tumors and avoid confusion. Providing epidemiological and clinical information about these tumors is important.