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.