Glomus tumour of the elbow: a case of mistaken identity

Abstract

Glomus tumours are small vascular tumours that are usually benign and rarely occur. However, atypical locations of these tumours can lead to misdiagnosis, particularly where the lesion is rarely reported. We report a case of glomus tumour located on the posterior aspect of the elbow, which was mistaken for, and treated as the commonly diagnosed, olecranon bursitis for several years. With worsening symptoms, mainly pain, pinpoint tenderness and hypersensitivity, the patient was referred for a further opinion, and the lesion was diagnosed as a glomus tumour following complete excision under anaesthesia. This present case highlights the importance in considering this rare entity in the differential diagnosis of posterior elbow swelling and pain. Furthermore, this report provides a review of the literature and identifies the need for early specialist referral to confirm diagnosis, alleviate patient symptoms and improve function.

Keywords: Glomus tumour; elbow; misdiagnosis.

Fig. 1

Lateral plain radiograph of the elbow demonstrating a soft tissue swelling posterior to the tip of the olecranon.

Fig. 2

Smooth muscle actin (SMA) immunostain slide (×100 magnification) demonstrating diffuse and intense SMA immunopositivity in glomus cells (indicated by an arrow).