Surreal illustration of shoulder pain with cold emanating from a point.

Glomus Tumor of the Shoulder: Understanding the Rare Cause of Shoulder Pain

Soraya Malik in Health & Wellness June 2025 • 3 min read.

"Is shoulder pain disrupting your life? Discover the rare yet excruciating condition known as glomus tumor and how to identify and treat it."

Shoulder pain is a common complaint, often attributed to muscle strains, arthritis, or injuries. However, in rare cases, the source of shoulder pain can be a glomus tumor. This benign but intensely painful growth arises from glomus bodies, specialized structures that regulate blood flow, typically found in the skin. While glomus tumors are most frequently located under the fingernails, they can occur in other areas of the body, including the shoulder.

Glomus tumors of the shoulder are uncommon, leading to delayed diagnosis and prolonged suffering for those affected. Understanding the symptoms, diagnostic process, and treatment options is crucial for effective management. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of glomus tumors of the shoulder, offering insights into this rare condition and empowering individuals to seek appropriate medical care.

If you're experiencing persistent, unexplained shoulder pain, especially if accompanied by specific symptoms, this information can help you navigate the complexities of diagnosis and treatment. Knowledge is power, and understanding the possibilities can guide you toward the right path for relief.

What are the Key Signs and Symptoms of Glomus Tumor in the Shoulder?

Surreal illustration of shoulder pain with cold emanating from a point.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a glomus tumor is essential for early diagnosis and treatment. The classic triad of symptoms includes:

These symptoms can significantly impact daily life, making early detection crucial. Consider these points:

Excruciating Pain: Often described as sharp, lancinating, or boring, the pain is typically intermittent but can become constant.
Cold Intolerance: Exposure to cold temperatures can trigger or exacerbate the pain. Many sufferers finds that even a slight drop in temperature increases their discomfort.
Point Tenderness: A specific spot on the shoulder is extremely sensitive to touch. The pain can be replicated by applying pressure to this area.

Besides the classic triad, other indicators might suggest a glomus tumor:

Seeking Relief and Moving Forward

While a glomus tumor of the shoulder is rare, understanding its symptoms and available treatments can significantly improve outcomes. If you suspect you may have a glomus tumor, consult with your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management. With timely intervention and appropriate care, you can find relief from the pain and regain a better quality of life. Stay informed, advocate for your health, and take proactive steps toward a pain-free future.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/b978-1-4557-0999-1.00032-0, Alternate LINK

Title: Glomus Tumor Of The Shoulder

Journal: Atlas of Uncommon Pain Syndromes

Publisher: Elsevier

Authors: Steven D. Waldman

Published: 2014-01-01

Everything You Need To Know

What exactly is a glomus tumor, and why does it cause shoulder pain?

A glomus tumor is a rare, benign growth arising from glomus bodies. These specialized structures regulate blood flow and are typically found in the skin. When a glomus tumor develops in the shoulder, it can cause intense pain due to its effect on these glomus bodies. While most often found under fingernails, glomus tumors in the shoulder, though uncommon, cause significant discomfort and are often misdiagnosed initially. Because of the nature of the glomus bodies impacting blood flow control this creates intense pain, and intolerance to temperature changes.

What are the main symptoms that might suggest I have a glomus tumor in my shoulder, and how do they differ from typical shoulder pain?

The classic symptoms suggesting a glomus tumor include excruciating pain, cold intolerance, and point tenderness. The pain is often described as sharp and intermittent but can become constant. Cold temperatures can trigger or worsen the pain, and a specific spot on the shoulder is extremely sensitive to touch. These symptoms differ from typical shoulder pain, which is commonly attributed to muscle strains, arthritis, or injuries. Typical shoulder pain doesn't usually involve extreme sensitivity to cold or a very localized point of intense tenderness.

How is a glomus tumor in the shoulder diagnosed, and what tests are involved?

The process of diagnosing a glomus tumor in the shoulder includes a physical examination to identify point tenderness, a review of your symptoms, and imaging studies such as MRI to visualize the tumor. Since these are rare, doctors might not initially suspect a glomus tumor, leading to delays in diagnosis. Other diagnostic methods include, but are not limited to, cold stimulation tests and possibly biopsies to confirm the nature of the growth. Further characterization beyond imaging may be required since the tumor affects vascular structures that are not always evident with standard imaging.

What treatment options are available for a glomus tumor in the shoulder, and what does recovery typically involve?

The primary treatment for a glomus tumor is surgical removal. This involves excising the tumor from the shoulder while preserving surrounding tissues and nerve structures. Post-surgery, pain relief is expected. Recovery typically involves physical therapy to restore range of motion and strength in the shoulder. Depending on the size and location, other treatments like sclerotherapy are sometimes considered, but surgical excision remains the gold standard. Without removal, pain will continue.

If glomus tumors are rare in the shoulder, what steps should I take if I suspect I have one, and what specialists should I consult?

If you suspect you have a glomus tumor, consult with your healthcare provider. Since glomus tumors are rare in the shoulder, you might want to seek a specialist experienced in shoulder conditions. Initially, a general practitioner or orthopedist can assess your symptoms and order imaging. If a glomus tumor is suspected, a referral to a surgeon specializing in hand and upper extremity surgery or a vascular surgeon may be necessary, as these specialists have experience with tumors affecting blood vessels. Early and accurate diagnosis are critical to avoid prolonged suffering.