Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor
Abstract Background Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare, benign bone tumor that exhibits locally aggressive behavior and typically occurs in the mandible and long bones. Its presence in small bones, particularly in the hallux, is exceedingly rare. Desmoplastic fibroma’s unusual presentation in this regio...
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BMC
2025-02-01
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| Series: | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08340-5 |
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| author | Samy Ajarrag Marie-Christine Torchon |
| author_facet | Samy Ajarrag Marie-Christine Torchon |
| author_sort | Samy Ajarrag |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare, benign bone tumor that exhibits locally aggressive behavior and typically occurs in the mandible and long bones. Its presence in small bones, particularly in the hallux, is exceedingly rare. Desmoplastic fibroma’s unusual presentation in this region often mimics other lesions, such as glomus tumors, and poses significant diagnostic challenges. Case presentation We present the case of a 38-year-old female with a history of trauma to the affected toe and thyroid cancer, who experienced persistent subungual pain, localized tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity in the hallux. Initial imaging (X-ray and MRI) revealed findings consistent with a glomus tumor, including bone erosion in the distal phalanx. Surgical excision with wide margins was performed due to the patient’s cancer history, and histopathology unexpectedly identified the lesion as desmoplastic fibroma. The patient underwent regular follow-up with X-rays over two years, showing complete healing and no recurrence. Conclusions The case emphasizes the necessity of sending excised specimens for pathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Documenting such atypical presentations contributes valuable information to the limited literature on desmoplastic fibroma and aids clinicians in recognizing this rare tumor in unusual locations, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and management. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-9afb8e69c7074a398c150059f8da5964 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1471-2474 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-02-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders |
| spelling | doaj-art-9afb8e69c7074a398c150059f8da59642025-02-02T12:05:34ZengBMCBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders1471-24742025-02-012611710.1186/s12891-025-08340-5Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumorSamy Ajarrag0Marie-Christine Torchon1Programme de Médecine Podiatrique, Université du Québec à Trois-RivièresProgramme de Médecine Podiatrique, Université du Québec à Trois-RivièresAbstract Background Desmoplastic fibroma is a rare, benign bone tumor that exhibits locally aggressive behavior and typically occurs in the mandible and long bones. Its presence in small bones, particularly in the hallux, is exceedingly rare. Desmoplastic fibroma’s unusual presentation in this region often mimics other lesions, such as glomus tumors, and poses significant diagnostic challenges. Case presentation We present the case of a 38-year-old female with a history of trauma to the affected toe and thyroid cancer, who experienced persistent subungual pain, localized tenderness, and cold hypersensitivity in the hallux. Initial imaging (X-ray and MRI) revealed findings consistent with a glomus tumor, including bone erosion in the distal phalanx. Surgical excision with wide margins was performed due to the patient’s cancer history, and histopathology unexpectedly identified the lesion as desmoplastic fibroma. The patient underwent regular follow-up with X-rays over two years, showing complete healing and no recurrence. Conclusions The case emphasizes the necessity of sending excised specimens for pathological analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Documenting such atypical presentations contributes valuable information to the limited literature on desmoplastic fibroma and aids clinicians in recognizing this rare tumor in unusual locations, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and management.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08340-5Desmoplastic fibromaHalluxSubungual tumorGlomus tumorBone tumor |
| spellingShingle | Samy Ajarrag Marie-Christine Torchon Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders Desmoplastic fibroma Hallux Subungual tumor Glomus tumor Bone tumor |
| title | Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| title_full | Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| title_fullStr | Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| title_full_unstemmed | Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| title_short | Distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux: a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| title_sort | distal phalanx desmoplastic fibroma of the hallux a unique case mimicking a glomus tumor |
| topic | Desmoplastic fibroma Hallux Subungual tumor Glomus tumor Bone tumor |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-025-08340-5 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT samyajarrag distalphalanxdesmoplasticfibromaofthehalluxauniquecasemimickingaglomustumor AT mariechristinetorchon distalphalanxdesmoplasticfibromaofthehalluxauniquecasemimickingaglomustumor |