Glomus Tumor / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

Glomus tumor is a painful small subcutaneous mass as described by William Wood in 1812. Although seen infrequently and difficult to diagnose, the tumor has been interest to the profession for many years. The normal glomus is an end-organ apparatus which is a remarkable arteriovenous anastomosis functioning without an intermediary capillary bed. Distributed widely over the surface of the body in the deepest layer of the corium or in the stratum reticuiare of the skin, it is most abundant at the distal ends of the extremities. The main function of the glomus body is to aid in the regulation of the skin circulation and, therefore, the peripheral blood pressure and temperature. Glomus tumor represents a hypertrophy of the normal glomus. The gross appearance is that of small soft encapsulated tumor, pink or purple in color, almost always less than one centimeter in diameter if it is located subungually. The microscopic appearance of the tumor closely resembles that of normal glomus, the principal difference being a marked increase in the number of glomal cells (epithelioid cells) and nonmyelinated nerves. Glomus tumor may occur at any age but is most frequent in the middle age of life. Pain, tenderness and temperature sensitivity are the classic triad of symptoms. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice for the glomus tumors. Successful removal of the tumor leads to complete relief of pain and return to normal function. This paper is aimed to report on our experience with 3 cases of subungual glomus tumor which were successfully treated by complete excision and to review the literature.