Glomus Tumor on the Volar Aspect of the Distal Phalanx, an Unusual Presentation for an Unusual Neoplasm‎: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: In the fingertips, the glomus tumors usually involve the subungual areas with typical triad symptoms including pain, tenderness to palpation, and cold sensitivity. The glomus tumor of volar aspect of digits is rare.

Case Presentation: A case of glomus tumor was presented at the volar side of the distal phalanx of the ring finger of a 52-year-old woman. The tumor was painful and tender to palpation, yet insensitive to cold. The atypical location and insensitivity to cold led to a 4-year delay in diagnosis. After the surgical excision of the lesion, the extracted mass was sent for histologic evaluation and the diagnosis of glomus tumor was confirmed. One-year follow-up of the patient was event-free.

Conclusions: Atypical glomus tumor should be considered in the differential diagnosis of finger pain, even in the absence of characteristic diagnostic features.