Introduction: Diagnosis of subungual glomus tumour is
mostly based on detailed history and clinical examination.
Recently, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and
Ultrasound have been proposed as the imaging modality to
confirm the clinical diagnosis and in planning the surgical
management of these tumours. However, these imaging
modalities are not routinely available in rural setting and also
are expensive. Due to these limitations, we set out to
establish that diagnosis and management of these rare
tumours can be based solely on a battery of clinical tests and
history taking.
Materials and Methods: Retrospectively, we reviewed nine
cases of glomus tumour. A clinical evaluation proforma was
developed on the basis of clinical history and specific
clinical test for diagnosis of these tumours. All the cases
were evaluated and treated surgically by a single surgeon
with a specific technique. Post-operatively, diagnosis was
confirmed by histopathological examination.
Results: Females (77.78%) were predominantly affected in
this series and the tumours commonly occurred in the right
hand (66.66%). Spontaneous pain, cold sensitivity test and
Love’s Pin test was positive in all cases (100%). Hildreth’s
test was positive in 88.89%. In none of the cases the tumours
recurred during minimum follow-up of one year. In all cases,
histopathological examination confirmed the preoperative
diagnosis of glomus tumours.
Conclusion: Diagnosis of glomus tumours can be made
clinically based on history taking and clinical examination.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Ultrasound are not
necessary for diagnosis and management of typical
subungual tumours.