Clinical features of multiple glomus tumors.

BACKGROUND

While glomus tumors are usually solitary, multiple glomus tumors do occur. The purpose of this study was to review the clinical characteristics and outcomes in a series of patients with multiple glomus tumors presenting to our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients with multiple glomus tumors seen at our institution over the past 25 years was performed.

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with multiple glomus tumors were identified. Initial diagnosis was blue rubber nevus syndrome and hemangioma in 10 and 7 patients, respectively. The mean duration from onset of symptoms until correct diagnosis was 14.6 years. Involvement of an extremity was noted in 90.9% of the patients. An autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance was noted in 13 of 22 patients. The classic triad of symptoms in solitary glomus tumors--pain, pinpoint tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity--was noted in only 1 of the 22 patients; pain and pinpoint tenderness were simultaneously identified in 14 patients, 8 with visible lesions but no symptoms. Symptoms were relieved by surgical excision in most patients.

CONCLUSION

Patients with multiple glomus tumors are frequently misdiagnosed. Proper recognition and diagnosis would lead to improved management.