Glomus tumour

LAST UPDATED: Nov 01, 2022

Introduction

A glomus tumour is a benign vascular neoplasm that arises from the glomus cells of the Sucquet-Hoyer canal, which are involved in temperature regulation of acral sites.

This chapter is set out as follows:

History
Clinical findings
Images
Investigations
Management

History

They are most commonly found in young adults
They cause paroxysmal pain, which is often precipitated by cold or pressure

Clinical findings

Distribution

Usually a single lesion beneath the nail or on other areas of the hands, although can occur anywhere

Morphology

A red / blue area of discoloration or papule
Multiple glomus tumours can arise in childhood, inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. These are larger, dark blue and non-painful

Clinical Images

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Glomus tumour
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Dermoscopic appearance of previous figure
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Glomus tumour on the forearm

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Dermoscopic appearance of previous image

Multiple glomus tumours

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Investigations

An X-Ray may show boney erosion if the tumour sits under a nail

Management

Lesions can be excised if painful

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