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Review
. 2013 Sep;40(5):492-5.
doi: 10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.492. Epub 2013 Sep 13.

Where is the Lesion? Glomus Tumours of the Hand

Chris Yuk Kwan Tang  1 , Timothy Tipoe, Boris Fung
Affiliations
Review

Where is the Lesion? Glomus Tumours of the Hand

Chris Yuk Kwan Tang et al. Arch Plast Surg. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Glomus tumours are vascular hamartomas that are commonly found in the hand, particularly the subungual region. They appear as solitary or multiple tumours, and often present as a bluish discoloration of the nail plate. Different diagnostic tests are outlined, as well as imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound. Misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of these tumours are common, while a familial tendency is a potential risk factor but not yet proven. Complete surgical excision often results in complete symptomatic relief, while recurrences are largely due to incomplete excision or the growth of a new glomus tumour. This article aims to review the key aspects of glomus tumours and provide a diagnostic algorithm so that the lesion can be recognized and treated earlier.

Keywords: Disease; Glomus tumor; Hand.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Glomus tumour not obvious preoperatively Left middle finger glomus tumour that is not obvious to the naked eye.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Glomus tumour obvious intraoperatively Left middle finger glomus tumour that is obvious intraoperatively.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Diagnostic algorithm for glomus tumour MRI, magnetic resonance imaging.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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