Subungual glomus tumors: diagnostic challenges and clinicopathological spectrum at a Brazilian referral center

Glomus tumors are rare benign vascular neoplasms with variable clinical presentations that may hinder diagnosis. This study aimed to characterize the clinical, imaging, and histopathological features of patients with subungual glomus tumors treated in Belém, Pará, Brazil, between January 2020 and December 2025. This observational, retrospective, descriptive study included 10 patients with histopathologically confirmed diagnoses. Females predominated (90%), with a mean age of 46.4 years (27-69 years). Lesions predominantly affected the fingers, with one case involving the hallux. Localized pain was present in all patients, whereas clinical presentation was heterogeneous, including nail abnormalities, subungual tumors, increased volume, and lesions suggestive of subungual hematoma. Magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography showed suggestive findings in most patients, although some examinations were negative. Despite architectural heterogeneity, all cases showed compatible cytomorphological features. Clinical and radiological variability reinforces the diagnostic challenge and the importance of integrating clinical assessment, imaging, and histopathological confirmation.