Dr. Le Chi Hieu, from the Thoracic - Vascular Surgery Center at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, states that glomus tumors account for about 2% of all soft tissue tumors and are mostly benign. A glomus is an anatomical structure found under the skin in various body parts and organs, but most commonly at the tips of fingers and toes. Glomus bodies play a crucial role in regulating body temperature. A tumor developing in this area is called a glomus tumor.

Glomus tumors can cause intense pain localized to a specific area. The pain intensifies when the area around the tumor is exposed to cold temperatures or direct impact.

According to Dr. Hieu, most subungual tumors are visible or palpable as a lump, with the skin turning reddish-pink or having bluish spots, and the fingernail becoming curved or deformed. Vy's glomus tumor was quite large but had not invaded surrounding tissue; it was difficult to see with the naked eye and was diagnosed via ultrasound.

To preserve the nail matrix, doctors performed nail elevation surgery to completely remove the tumor. The patient was discharged after one day.

A surgeon removes a tumor from under a patient's fingernail. *Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.*

Glomus tumors commonly affect individuals aged 20-40 and are more prevalent in women than men. Beyond the fingernails, they can appear in the palms, wrists, forearms, feet, and toes. Less common locations include the stomach, tongue, rectum, lungs, mediastinum, lower lip, shoulder, upper back, and even along the spine.

Dr. Hieu notes that symptoms of glomus tumors are easily mistaken for a subungual hematoma, neuroma, myxoid cyst, or subungual melanoma. Many cases only manifest as persistent pain, making diagnosis difficult. Patients should seek early medical examination upon noticing any abnormalities to receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

By Thu Ha

*Patient's name has been changed.