Glomus tumor mimicking as cervical radiculopathy

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare, painful, and usually benign neoplasms typically occurring at the subungual aspect of digits. Patients usually complain of extremely painful episodes. Symptoms occur spontaneously or elicited by local compression and cold environment, in special if the tumor has an acral location. We describe a case of cervical radiculopathy caused by glomus tumor which developed spontaneously causing pain at the right index finger. Pain was excruciating, which increased on touching and sudden striking on objects. There was no neck pain, no sensory loss, and no weakness. Pain radiates to the elbow and sometimes shoulders. The patient was given trial of neuropathic medications without much relief. Nerve conduction studies were normal. Magnetic resonance imaging spine minimal disk bulge at C5–C6 level with no neural compression. On examination, the neck movements were normal and power, tone, and reflexes were normal. Neurological examination was normal. Severe tenderness on palpating the right index finger nail. MRI of the right index finger revealed a glomus tumour. Glomus tumor was diagnosed and the patient underwent surgical excision. There can be a delay in diagnosis in glomus tumours.Cervical radiculopathy may be diagnosed erroneously in patients if careful physical examination and investigations are not done.