Overview
A glomus tumor (also called a glomangioma or glomus body tumor) is a rare, usually benign (non-cancerous) growth that develops from glomus cells. Glomus cells are special cells found in tiny structures called glomus bodies, which are located throughout the body but are most concentrated in the fingertips and toes, particularly under the nails. These glomus bodies normally help regulate blood flow and body temperature. When these cells grow abnormally, they form a glomus tumor. The most common location for a glomus tumor is under the fingernail (subungual), but they can also appear in other parts of the body including the skin, soft tissues, and rarely in internal organs. The hallmark symptoms include intense pain, extreme sensitivity to cold temperatures, and tenderness at the site of the tumor. The pain can be severe and out of proportion to the small size of the tumor, which is often only a few millimeters across. Many patients suffer for years before receiving a correct diagnosis because the tumor is so small it can be hard to detect. Most glomus tumors occur as single (solitary) growths and are not inherited. However, a familial form called glomuvenous malformation (or multiple glomus tumors) does exist and runs in families. Treatment for solitary glomus tumors is primarily surgical removal, which is usually curative. The vast majority of glomus tumors are benign, but in extremely rare cases, a malignant (cancerous) form called glomangiosarcoma can occur.
Key symptoms:
Severe localized pain, often under a fingernail or toenailExtreme sensitivity to cold temperaturesTenderness when the area is touched or pressedA small bluish or reddish spot visible under the nailPain that can radiate from the tumor siteNail deformity or ridging if the tumor is under the nailPain triggered by even light pressure or contactEpisodes of sharp, shooting painDifficulty using the affected finger or hand due to painSwelling or a small bump at the tumor site
Variable
Can be inherited in different ways depending on the underlying gene
Adult
Begins in adulthood (age 18 or older)
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Glomus tumor.
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Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Glomus tumor.
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Caregiver Resources
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Social Security Disability
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Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that this is a glomus tumor, and what tests will confirm the diagnosis?,Is my tumor solitary or could I have multiple glomus tumors that suggest a familial form?,Should I or my family members have genetic testing for the GLMN gene?,What type of surgery do you recommend, and what is your experience with this procedure?,What is the chance that the tumor could come back after surgery?,How long will recovery take, and when can I return to normal activities?,Are there any signs I should watch for that might suggest the tumor is not benign?
Common questions about Glomus tumor
What is Glomus tumor?
A glomus tumor (also called a glomangioma or glomus body tumor) is a rare, usually benign (non-cancerous) growth that develops from glomus cells. Glomus cells are special cells found in tiny structures called glomus bodies, which are located throughout the body but are most concentrated in the fingertips and toes, particularly under the nails. These glomus bodies normally help regulate blood flow and body temperature. When these cells grow abnormally, they form a glomus tumor. The most common location for a glomus tumor is under the fingernail (subungual), but they can also appear in other pa
At what age does Glomus tumor typically begin?
Typical onset of Glomus tumor is adult. Age of onset can vary across affected individuals.
Which specialists treat Glomus tumor?
18 specialists and care centers treating Glomus tumor are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.