Misleading features in the clinical diagnosis of the peripheral glomus tumour

Abstract

Abstract The clincal features of the glomus tumour (Barré and Masson, 1924) are presented with a review of the literature and a study of 24 further cases. The less common symptoms and signs associated with tumours sited in the finger or thumb are defined and their pathological significance discussed. They include severe pain radiating to the arm or neck, hyperhidrosis, raised skin temperature, skin colour changes, and tissue atrophy. The salient points from 10 cases from the literature which demonstrate these features and 2 cases from the present series are presented. It is clear that the presence of such misleading signs and symptoms, unless their significance is realized, may on occasion lead to incorrect diagnosis and inappropriate therapy.