An Anterior Femoral Nerve Glomus Tumor Causing Twenty Years of Neuropathic Pain: A Case Report.

Abstract

Background: Glomus tumors are a rare, yet painful, neoplasm commonly occurring in the subungual area of the digits. While uncommon, a glomus tumor can present in extradigital locations, leading to delays in diagnosis.

Case report: We present a case of a 53-year-old man with a 20-year history of right thigh pain. Previous diagnostic workup and treatment with spinal cord stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation did not yield resolution. Exam with ultrasound revealed a hypoechoic lesion. Upon targeted surgical exploration, a mass near the right anterior femoral cutaneous nerve was identified and resected. Pathology was consistent with a glomus tumor. Since the operation, the patient has experienced complete relief after a 1.2-year follow-up.

Conclusion: Glomus tumors are treated surgically. Ultrasound may be useful in well-localized, neuropathic pain of the extremity, highlighting the importance of clinicians becoming familiar with employing this modality. While rare, a glomus tumor should be included in the differential diagnosis.