Affiliations 

  • 1 Department of Orthopaedics, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Pahang, Malaysia
  • 2 Department of Pathology, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  • 3 National Orthopaedic Centre of Excellence in Research and Learning (NOCERAL), Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Malays Orthop J, 2011 Nov;5(3):8-12.
PMID: 25279028 MyJurnal DOI: 10.5704/MOJ.1111.007

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Glomus tumours (GT), neoplasms of the glomus body comprise 4.5% of upper limb tumours. Seventy-five per cent of these occur in the hand, and most are subungual (50%). We performed a literature review and retrospective search of histopathologically confirmed GT seen from 1995 to 2009. Fifteen patients were identified, with an average age of 49.6 years. Eight were in the hand, 2 in the upper limb, 2 lower limb and 3 in the ear. Eighty-six per cent presented with pain and 50% underwent radiological investigation. Most diagnoses followed biopsy findings. Surgical excision resulted in a recurrence rate of 13%. The average time to diagnosis was 3.3 years. The average duration of symptoms was 7 to 11 years with an average of 2 to 3 consultations prediagnosis. MRI remains the most useful imaging modality (82 to 90% sensitivity). Excision biopsy is the most common treatment. Greater awareness is needed for quicker diagnosis.

KEY WORDS: Glomus Tumour, Presentation, Imaging, Recurrence.

* Title and MeSH Headings from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.