Gloriosa superba

Glomus tumor is a rare, benign neoplasm that arises from the glomus body, a thermoregulatory shunt concentrated in the fingers and toes. The tumor is characterized by its painful nature and is often located under the nail bed, on the fingertip, or in the foot.

Etiology

The exact cause of glomus tumors is unknown. However, they are believed to arise from the glomus body, a specialized arteriovenous anastomosis involved in thermoregulation. The glomus body is primarily composed of smooth muscle cells, known as glomus cells, which control the diameter of the shunt to regulate blood flow and, consequently, body temperature.

Clinical Presentation

Patients with glomus tumors typically present with a triad of symptoms: localized tenderness, severe paroxysmal pain, and cold sensitivity. The pain is often described as a throbbing or burning sensation. The tumor is usually solitary and small, often less than 1 cm in diameter. It is most commonly located under the nail bed, but can also be found on the fingertip or in the foot.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a glomus tumor is primarily clinical, based on the patient's history and physical examination. However, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound can be useful in confirming the diagnosis and determining the extent of the tumor. A definitive diagnosis can only be made through histopathological examination following surgical excision of the tumor.

Treatment

The primary treatment for glomus tumors is surgical excision. This involves removing the entire tumor along with a small margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal and prevent recurrence. Pain relief is usually immediate following surgery.

Prognosis

The prognosis for glomus tumors is generally excellent. They are benign tumors and do not metastasize. However, they can recur if not completely excised.

See Also

• Glomus body
• Benign tumor
• Nail bed
• MRI
• Ultrasound