Abstract

Introduction: Glomus tumors are rare benign tumors, most often located in the digital extremities, especially the subungual area. This tumor in extra-digital sites is often unknown. We report a new case. Observation: A 40-year-old patient presented, a painful cutaneous solitary lesion localized on the dorsal side of the left forearm for 01 years. The pain increased by touch, cold and tension. On examination, we found a well-defined purple nodule of 1 cm with a firm consistency tender to touch. Dermoscopic examination showed a structureless purple pattern surrounded by a homogeneous whitish area and a peripheral brown pigmentation. The clinical and dermoscopic presentation was suggestive of a glomus tumor. An excisional biopsy was performed and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis. Favourable evolution was noted without recurrence with one year retrospect. Discussion: Glomus tumors arise in the neuromyoarterial glomus of arteriovenous anastomoses. Subungual location remains the most frequent, and atypical ones are often unknown. Conclusion: The recognition of evocative clinical signs and dermoscopic features would help to the diagnosis of glomus tumors and avoid delay in management.

Key words: glomus tumor, extradigital, dermoscopy