[Glomus tumour under the nail].

BACKGROUND

Glomus tumour is a rare benign hypervascular lesion mainly found in the subungual region of the fingers.

CASE PRESENTATION: A young, right-handed female experienced episodic and increasing pain in her left thumb. The pain was triggered by cold weather and light pressure. Painkillers and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs gave little or no relief. She saw several doctors who suspected various diagnoses, including tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome and cervicobrachialgia. None of these could be verified.

INTERPRETATION: The case illustrates how a rare benign tumour, that can be effectively treated, can lead to chronic disability when a correct diagnostic workup is severely delayed.