Subungual Glomus Tumor Resection with Partial Detachment of Nail Plate

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: A glomus tumor is a rare tumor with predilection for the hand. The curative treatment is complete surgical excision. Transungual approach is one of usual options for subungual glomus tumor, but the major complication of this method is nail deformity. The authors describe the different operation to avoid this complication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April, 2005 to May, 2009. 9 patients were diagnosed with digital glomus tumors. 8 patients were underwent excision with transungual open window exposing nail bed using partial detachment of nail plate. In all patients, preoperative clinical diagnosis was confirmed postoperatively with the biopsy result. RESULTS: All cases were followed up for average 4.2month(range 6 weeks to 13 months). Symptoms were improved after surgery. No complication and recurrence were occurred. There were no nail deformities by this altered approach. CONCLUSIONS: This altered technique with partial detached nail plate represent a safe and effective result to excise digital glomus tumors in subungual lesion.