Surgical Treatment of Subungual Glomus Tumor / 대한피부과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Glomus tumor is a small encapsulated tumor that is derived from the subcutaneous glomus body. Treatment of subungual glomus tumor is the complete removal of the tumor. However, the surgical method is not familiar to us. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to introduce surgical treatment results of subungual glumus tumor in dermatologic surgery clinic of Seoul National University Hospital and Seoul City Boramae Hospital from 1995 to 2002. METHOD: We reviewed the medical records and checked clinical aspects, surgical methods and results. RESULTS: All patients, 10, were female. Pain was elicited by contact in 80% and occurred spontaneously in 60%. Temperature hypersensitivity occurred in 50%. 90% of tumors were located in fingers. 70% of tumors revealed just blue or erythermatous discoloration of nail plate. Nail deformity was found in 30%. Post-operative mild distal nail splitting had developed in 2 cases. In 8 cases nails showed normal growth. Nobody complained of a recurrence of pain. CONCLUSION: Careful dissection and complete removal of the tumor almost offered permanent relief and it is thought that appropriate education of surgical skills should be needed and offered.