Differential Diagnosis for Tumor of Fingertip
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Glomus tumor: This is a benign tumor that arises from the glomus body, a specialized form of blood vessel found in the dermis of the skin, particularly in the fingertips. It is known for its characteristic symptoms of intense pain, temperature sensitivity, and a bluish discoloration under the nail.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Squamous cell carcinoma: A type of skin cancer that can present as a tumor on the fingertip, especially in areas exposed to the sun or in individuals with a history of significant sun exposure.
- Keratoacanthoma: A low-grade, or sometimes considered benign, tumor of the skin that can resemble squamous cell carcinoma but tends to have a more rapid growth phase followed by possible spontaneous resolution.
- Pyogenic granuloma: A benign vascular tumor that can appear as a rapidly growing, bleeding bump on the fingertip, often following minor trauma.
- Verruca vulgaris (common wart): Caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), warts can appear on the fingertips and may be mistaken for tumors.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Melanoma: Although less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. A tumor on the fingertip, especially under the nail (subungual melanoma), could be a sign of this aggressive cancer.
- Merkel cell carcinoma: A rare and aggressive skin cancer that can present as a firm, painless nodule on sun-exposed areas, including the hands.
Rare Diagnoses
- Dermatofibroma: A benign skin growth that can appear as a firm bump, usually on the legs but can occur on the hands, including fingertips.
- Eccrine poroma: A rare, benign tumor arising from the eccrine sweat glands, which can be found almost anywhere on the body, including the fingertips.
- Digital mucous cyst: While not a tumor in the traditional sense, these are benign, fluid-filled lesions that can appear on the fingertips, near the joints, and can be mistaken for tumors.
- Neurofibroma: A benign tumor of the nerve tissue that can occur on the fingertips, more commonly in individuals with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).