Laser Therapy for an Acquired Glomuvenous Malformation (Glomus Tumour): A Nonsurgical Approach. Issue 1 (January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Rivers, Jason K.; Rivers, Catherine A.; Li, Monica K.; Martinka, Magdalena
• Is Part Of: Journal of cutaneous medicine and surgery. Volume 20:Issue 1(2016:Jan./Feb)
• Page Start: 80
• Page End: 83
• Publication Date: 2016-01
• Subjects: laser -- surgery; Dermatology -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dermatology -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Diseases -- Treatment -- Canada -- Periodicals; Skin -- Surgery -- Canada -- Periodicals; 616.5005
• DOI: 10.1177/1203475415596121
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1203-4754

Abstract

Background: Glomuvenous malformations (GVMs) (previously known as glomus tumours) are uncommon, benign, vascular neoplasms. Current treatments include surgical excision and sclerotherapy, often with high recurrence rates and poor cosmetic results. Objective: We sought to use a nonsurgical approach for treatment of a GVM. Methods: We present a patient with an acquired, biopsy-proven GVM of the heel unamenable to surgical excision, treated with a long pulsed 1064-nm neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser. Results: Excellent cosmesis and long-term remission were achieved after several treatment sessions. Conclusion: Our experience provides further evidence to support the safety and effectiveness of the 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser in the management of large and surgically challenging GVMs.