GLOMUS TUMOR
GLOMUS TUMOR ICD-10: D18.022
• A tumor of the glomus body. This is an anatomic and functional unit composed of specialized smooth muscle and glomus cells that surround thin-walled endothelial spaces; this anatomic unit functions as an arteriovenous shunt linking arterioles and venules. Glomus bodies are present on the pads and nail beds of the fingers and toes, and also on the volar aspect of hands and feet, in the skin of the ears, and in the center of the face.
• The glomus tumor presents as an exquisitely tender subungual or subcutaneous papule or nodule. Glomus tumors are characterized by paroxysmal painful attacks, especially elicited by exposure to the cold. They are most often present as solitary subungual tumors (Fig. 9-18A) but may rarely occur as multiple papules or nodules. These are noted, especially in children, as discrete papules or sometimes plaques anywhere on the skin surface (Fig. 9-18B).
• Therapy is by excision.
A B
FIGURE 9-18 • Glomus tumor (A) This is an exquisitely painful subungual nodule of reddish color; pain becomes paroxysmal upon exposure to cold. (B) Glomus tumor on the palm of a 16-year-old boy.