Multiple glomus tumours: Clinical, ultrasonographic and histopathologic findings of a rare disease.

Abstract

Glomus tumour is a rare benign neoplasm originating from the glomus body, clinically presenting as a violet-coloured, painful nodule more sensitive when exposed to cold or hot. This hamartoma is typically solitary and predominantly affects the limbs, extremities and nail beds. The appearance of multiple tumours and lesions not placed in the extremities is rare and frequently misdiagnosed. At dermoscopy, it appears as a homogeneous, structureless, purplish area surrounded by a whitish region. Skin ultrasound shows a well-defined, round, hypoechoic mass. We report a case of numerous blue-purplish painful nodules distributed in the trunk and arms while sparing the extremities, with typical dermoscopy and ultrasound findings. A biopsy was performed, confirming the diagnosis of glomangioma. We call attention to this rare condition to help dermatologists make this diagnosis when facing multiple painful nodules.