Glomus Tumor in the Tarsal Tunnel: A Case Report

• Published in: The Journal of foot and ankle surgery 2017-07, Vol.56 (4), p.865-867
• Main Authors: Yoneda, Azusa, MD, Sugimoto, Kazuya, MD, PhD, Tsukada, Naoki, MD, Okamura, Kensuke, MD, Isomoto, Shinji, MD, PhD, Samoto, Norihiro, MD, PhD, Tanaka, Yasuhito, MD, PhD
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Ankle; extradigital; glomus tumor; Glomus Tumor - diagnosis; Glomus Tumor - diagnostic imaging; Glomus Tumor - surgery; Humans; Leg; magnetic resonance imaging; Male; Orthopedics; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - diagnosis; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - diagnostic imaging; Soft Tissue Neoplasms - surgery; tarsal tunnel syndrome; Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome - diagnosis
• ISSN: 1067-2516; 1542-2224
• DOI: 10.1053/j.jfas.2017.03.005

Abstract Glomus tumors are painful benign neoplasms. They commonly present in the hand and are mostly solitary lesions. We report a rare case of multiple glomus tumors in the lower leg. Moreover, 1 of the tumors was in the tarsal tunnel. Resection of the tumors resulted in the early diagnosis of glomus tumors and complete symptom relief. Because of its rarity, diagnosing an extradigital glomus tumor is difficult. Recognition of glomus tumors allows for an early diagnosis and resection, and preoperative magnetic resonance imaging helps in the detection of multiple lesions. Before resection, we considered tarsal tunnel syndrome in the differential diagnosis because of the symptoms and location of the tumor. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a comparatively well-known disease in the foot. When tarsal tunnel syndrome is suspected, a glomus tumor should also be considered in the differential diagnosis.