Delayed diagnosis and surgical management of a subungual glomus tumor: A case report highlighting diagnostic challenges and the importance of clinical vigilance

Abstract

Glomus tumors are rare, accounting for only 1–5% of hand soft tissue tumors, typically located beneath the nail. This case report presents a 56-year-old female who experienced severe pain from a glomus tumor that went undiagnosed for five years. Despite an equivocal Hildreth's sign, magnetic resonance imaging successfully identified the tumor, which was surgically excised and confirmed histologically. This case underscores the critical role of clinical tests, imaging, and physical examination in the diagnosis and management of glomus tumors. It also highlights the ongoing issue of misdiagnosis and the need for continued medical education to improve diagnostic accuracy and reduce healthcare inefficiencies associated with delayed diagnoses.