Glomus tumor in the hand. A clinical and morphological study.

Eighteen patients with a glomus tumor in the hand are reviewed. In five cases the tumor was subjected to light and electron microscopical analysis. This unusual lesion is often quite debilitating. The major symptoms are intense pain with mechanical stimulation of the tumor and temperature hypersensitivity. Careful dissection and complete removal of the tumor is adequate treatment. A possible mechanism in the glomus tumor for the generation of painful sensations is discussed.