Massive glomus tumor in deltoid muscle: An unusual presentation

Abstract

Glomus tumors originate from perivascular, temperature-regulating bodies. They are generally located at the fingertips, rarely around the shoulder girdle. This paper reports a deltoid glomus tumor larger in size than ever previously reported. The intramuscular mass, asymptomatic for 10 years, had enlarged to the extent of causing pain. Tumor size and localization suggested the presence of malignancy, indicating wide resection as appropriate surgical action. Incisional biopsy revealed benign morphology. Surgical treatment achieved complete pain relief. This is the largest glomus tumor reported to date. Marginal excision is the treatment of choice when there is no suspicion of malignancy, but due to our suspicions, we performed a wide resection of the tumor. Neither the diagnostic biopsy at the commencement of resection nor the post-surgical pathology later indicated malignancy.

Keywords

• Glomus
• tumor
• shoulder
• deltoid muscle
• massive

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