Glomus Tumors of the Hand: Treatment and Outcomes at Fundacion Santa Fe De Bogota: Case Series

Glomus tumors are rare, benign tumors that predominantly affect the hand, with a high incidence at the fingertips, particularly under the nail bed.These tumors are characterized by intense localized pain, often exacerbated by cold exposure, and can lead to significant discomfort and functional impairment.First described by Wood in 1812, glomus tumors arise from the glomus body, a neuromyovascular structure thought to regulate temperature and blood flow in the skin.This retrospective cohort study includes 14 patients diagnosed with glomus tumors between 2010 and 2020 in our teaching hospital.The patients, ranging from 20 to 72 years of age, primarily presented pain in the fingers, with the middle and thumb fingers being the most commonly affected.Nine cases were confirmed histopathological as glomus tumors.Diagnostic imaging, including MRI and ultrasound, was performed in several cases, with MRI offering the highest sensitivity.Surgical resection was the primary treatment.Follow-up revealed that while most patients had no recurrence, two reported nail deformities and occasional cold sensitivity.The study emphasizes the importance of clinical suspicion and detailed examination, particularly for pain and cold sensitivity, in diagnosing glomus tumors.MRI plays a crucial role in diagnosis and surgical planning; clinical evaluation remains keystone.Complete excision of the tumor is key to preventing recurrence, though patients should be counseled about the potential for nail deformities following surgery.