Two cases of subungual glomus tumor

Extradigital Symplastic Glomus Tumor and Review of the Literature

ABSTRACT

Symplastic glomus tumors are a rare subtype of glomus tumor defined by nuclear atypia without additional markers of malignancy such as large size, deep location, or atypical/prevalent mitotic figures. Glomus tumors, including the symplastic subtype, most commonly present in the subungual area with rarer extradigital presentation. To our knowledge, there have been less than 25 cases of symplastic glomus tumors described in the literature. Herein, we present a case of extradigital symplastic glomus tumor with review of the literature.

Blue Nail Discoloration: Literature Review and Diagnostic Algorithms

Blue nail discoloration is a distinctive clinical presentation, and diagnosis is challenging given the broad differential diagnosis. A comprehensive review of the literature describing blue discoloration of one or multiple nails was performed using the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. A total of 245 publications were included and grouped based on involvement of a single nail (monodactylic) or multiple nails (polydactylic). Monodactylic blue discoloration was associated with tumors or benign nevi, most commonly glomus tumors, followed by blue nevi and less commonly melanomas. Polydactylic blue discoloration was frequently associated with medications (such as minocycline, zidovudine, and hydroxyurea), toxic and exogenous exposures (such as silver), and other medical conditions (such as HIV/AIDS and systemic lupus erythematous). Patients presenting with blue nail discoloration warrant a thorough history, physical examination, and workup to rule out malignancy, systemic disease, or toxic exposure. We present diagnostic algorithms for monodactylic and polydactylic blue nail discoloration to guide workup and treatment plans.

"Pink glow": A new sign for the diagnosis of glomus tumor on ultraviolet light dermoscopy

Glomus tumors are usually benign hamartomas, which are painful, small, and uncommon. They are usually subungal in location but may occur at other sites. A female patient presented to the outpatient department with painful swelling over the nail matrix of her right index finger. Here, we describe the use of a videodermosope having white light, polarized light, and ultraviolet (UV) light in the localization of glomus tumors that revealed a pinkish glow on UV light examination suggesting the vascular nature of the tumor. Thus, videodermoscopy can be used as an outpatient department procedure to confirm the diagnosis of glomus tumors.

Symplastic glomus tumor: report of a challenging lesion with literature review

Glomus tumors are uncommon mesenchymal tumors whose cells closely resemble those of a normal glomus body, and are found most commonly in the hand. Recently, a symplastic form exhibiting marked nuclear atypia, in the absence of any other malignant features, has been described. To date, only 14 cases of symplastic glomus tumor have been reported in the literature; hence, very little information is available about its diagnosis, treatment, and biological behavior. The case reported here concerns a symplastic glomus tumor occurring in the right index finger of a 62-year-old woman. We reviewed the literature concerning previously reported cases, placing emphasis on the documented biological behavior, treatment, and demographic trend. Physicians must be aware of this morphological variation of glomus tumor to avoid the mistake of malignancy, which results in over-treatment of the patient.

Case for diagnosis. Glomus tumor

Glomus tumor is a painful tumor derived from the glomus terminal which regulates blood circulation and body temperature Despite its rarity, particular attention needs to be paid to symptoms associated with this tumor: paroxysmal pain, sensitivity to local pressure and cold, and its location - typically in the distal phalanx. Manifestation of extradigital occurrence is possible. Single lesions are most common in adult females, while multiple lesions are prevalent in children and adolescents, generally those with a positive family history. The diagnosis is clinical with the aid of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging, confirmed by histopathological examination.

Short-scar surgical approach for the treatment of glomus tumor of the digit

BACKGROUND

A glomus tumor is a biologically benign neoplasm. The traditional surgical approach to treat this tumor boasts the lowest recurrence rates but may cause nail deformities.

OBJECTIVE

A short-scar surgical approach was applied, with the aim of preserving the aesthetics of the nail.

METHODS

Between January 1999 and January 2009, 25 patients who underwent surgery for a glomus tumor were included in the study. All patients underwent radical resection with three different surgical approaches based on the location of the tumor.

RESULTS

All patients who were operated on had complete regression of pain immediately after surgery and at postsurgery follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of glomus tumors consists of surgical excision, which is successful if properly executed. Excision of sensitive afferent nervous fibers is a prerequisite to achieve regression of pain. A short-scar surgical approach ensures complete eradication of the tumor and preservation of nail aesthetics.