Intraosseous glomus tumor of distal phalanx, thumb :A rare case report

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare benign neoplasms of glomus bodies. Commonly encountered in the subungal region of digits these can be found anywhere in the body. Although some rarely encountered sites including stomach liver synovium etc. have been reported, intraosseous location of these tumors have been described in less than 25 cases in the literature. We present a case of a 60 year old female presenting with complaints of stabbing pain for past 2-3 years in the distal phalanx of the right thumb. Radiography revealed a well demarcated cystic lesion in the distal phalanx. Microscopy and immunohistochemistry were suggestive of an intraosseous glomus tumor. Since the occurrence of these tumors in the bone is very rare and there are 10% chances of recurrence and even smaller chance of malignant transformation, correct diagnosis and complete excision is essential for better prognosis of the patients.