Glomus tumor of the thigh mimicking nerve sheath tumor: A report of two cases and review of literature

Background: Glomus tumors are uncommon benign tumors most commonly found in the subungual areas of the digits. Extradigital glomus tumors are rare and often present with nonspecific symptoms, which prolongs patient suffering and delays diagnosis. Case Description: We report two cases of glomus tumors located in the thigh; each associated with chronic, focal pain that went undiagnosed for several years. Both patients underwent extensive evaluations and failed multiple conservative treatments before surgical excision. Surgical resection resulted in complete symptom resolution. Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the difficulty in diagnosing extradigital glomus tumors and emphasize the importance of maintaining a broad differential for small tumors of the extremities and unexplained limb pain. Early imaging and interdisciplinary awareness are essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure timely and curative treatment.

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Publication Details

Journal
Surgical Neurology International
Published
2026-08-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25259/sni_173_2026
Primary Topic
Soft tissue tumors and treatment
Type
article
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article

Glomus tumor of the thigh mimicking nerve sheath tumor: A report of two cases and review of literature

Paul Weisman, Jeffrey Helgager, Asma Eslami, Lars Meisner et al.
Surgical Neurology International
Soft tissue tumors and treatment
article

Glomus tumor of the thigh mimicking nerve sheath tumor: A report of two cases and review of literature

Paul Weisman, Jeffrey Helgager, Asma Eslami, Lars Meisner, Amgad S. Hanna
article en

Abstract

Background: Glomus tumors are uncommon benign tumors most commonly found in the subungual areas of the digits. Extradigital glomus tumors are rare and often present with nonspecific symptoms, which prolongs patient suffering and delays diagnosis. Case Description: We report two cases of glomus tumors located in the thigh; each associated with chronic, focal pain that went undiagnosed for several years. Both patients underwent extensive evaluations and failed multiple conservative treatments before surgical excision. Surgical resection resulted in complete symptom resolution. Conclusion: These cases demonstrate the difficulty in diagnosing extradigital glomus tumors and emphasize the importance of maintaining a broad differential for small tumors of the extremities and unexplained limb pain. Early imaging and interdisciplinary awareness are essential to reduce delays in diagnosis and ensure timely and curative treatment.

Surgical Neurology InternationalVol. 17
University of Wisconsin–Madison (US), Wisconsin Division of Public Health (US)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 10%
Soft tissue tumors and treatment
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