Subungual Glomus Tumor With Normal Findings on Imaging: A Case Report

TL;DR

A case report describes a subungual glomus tumor diagnosed clinically despite normal imaging results.

Contribution

Highlights the importance of clinical diagnosis for glomus tumors when imaging results are normal.

Findings

Glomus tumor was diagnosed based on clinical findings despite normal ultrasound and MRI.

Surgical removal resolved symptoms and histology confirmed the diagnosis.

Normal imaging results should not rule out glomus tumors in clinical evaluation.

Abstract

Glomus tumors are frequently associated with cold sensitivity, pain, and tenderness. They are benign tumors arising from the glomus body and typically present with subungual pinpoint pain. Diagnosis is primarily based on clinical findings, with ultrasound or MRI often used to confirm the diagnosis. We report the diagnosis and surgical management of a 49-year-old female with a classic glomus tumor. Despite normal ultrasound and MRI findings, she was diagnosed based on history and physical examination. Surgical removal of the lesion resulted in complete resolution of her symptoms, and histology subsequently confirmed the diagnosis of a glomus tumor. Clinicians should suspect a glomus tumor based on clinical findings, and a normal ultrasound or MRI should not exclude its presence.

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