Lower Extremity Glomus Tumors: Comprehensive Review for Surgeons

Abstract

The diagnosis of a lower extremity glomus tumor (GT) is often delayed owing to the lack of awareness and low level of suspicion by the treating physician. GT is thought to arise from cutaneous arteriovenous connections, often involving the nail beds. The unusual location of the lower extremity often leads to missed or delayed diagnosis and management. Surgical excision of GT is often curative and provides significant symptomatic relief. There is a paucity of information in regard to GT in general, especially among vascular surgeons. The aim of this report is to make the surgical community more aware of this disease entity based on the analysis of our own experience and review of the literature.