Outcome of microscopic excision of a subungual glomus tumor: A 12-year evaluation

BACKGROUND Glomus tumors are rare benign neurovascular tumors, up to 75% of which occur in the hand, mainly the subungual area. Local recurrence and nail deformity are commonly seen if tumor excision is not performed completely or properly. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to assess the long-term efficacy of microscopic excision of subungual glomus tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective analysis reviewed a total of 22 patients diagnosed with glomus tumors who underwent microscopic surgical excision at a single medical center over a 12-year period (2002-2014). Outcomes were analyzed based on symptom relief, recurrence rate, finger function, nail esthetics, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS With a mean follow-up period of 48.4 months, neither recurrence nor postexcision nail deformity developed in any patient. Patient satisfaction was rated as "good" in 86.3% of patients (19/22). CONCLUSION Microscopic surgical excision enables the surgeon to completely remove a glomus tumor while minimizing damage to the nail unit, thereby resulting in significantly decreased recurrence and nail deformity. In this study, an incision made according to the anatomic location provided an easy approach and the best visualization. Patients' finger function was successfully restored, nail esthetic outcome was good, and patient satisfaction was high.