A rare case of extra-digital glomus tumor of the thigh

Abstract

Introduction: Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors arising from glomus bodies that are responsible for thermoregulatory control. Their typical location is the subungual area of the digits, and extra-digital glomus tumors are very rare, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment due to the absence of typical symptoms.

Case: Here, we report the case of a 49 years old male patient with a long history of localized right thigh pain who was found to have an extra-digital glomus tumor of the thigh after surgical excision.

Discussion: A comprehensive physical examination, detailed medical history, in depth imaging and early surgical excision upon clinical suspicion may prevent delayed or incorrect diagnosis. The treatment of glomus tumor is surgical excision providing immediate relief from pain, however if the lesion is not palpable, it can be easily missed or confusing with other diagnoses such as schwannoma, neuroma or arteriovenous malformation.

Conclusion: Glomus tumors of the thigh represent an exceptional location for extra digital glomus tumors. The aim of this report was to make the surgical community more aware of this entity to prevent delayed treatment and misdiagnosis. Glomus tumor should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of all painful subcutaneous lesions.

Keywords: Extra-digital glomus tumor; Glomus tumor; Thigh.