Extradigital glomus tumor: a rare etiology for wrist soft tissue mass.

Justin E. Friske, Advocate Aurora Health
Vipul Sharma, Advocate Aurora Health
Stephanie A. Koplin MD, Advocate Aurora Health
Nicholas Webber, Advocate Aurora Health

Aurora St' Luke's Medical Center

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare benign hamartomas arising from the neuromyoarterial glomus body, a highly specialized arteriovenous anastomosis responsible for thermoregulation. Although classically associated with a subungual location, less common extradigital glomus tumors can present a diagnostic challenge because of their rarity and nonspecific presentation. This case report adds to the literature of proven extradigital glomus tumors with documented pathologic and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and describes their place in the differential for soft tissue mass of the wrist. Occasionally, a combination of imaging findings and clinical history as described may help suggest the diagnosis prospectively.