Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

What is the second most common soft tissue tumor found in the hand?

1. Glomus tumor

2. Xanthoma

3. Herpetic whitlow

4. Fibroma

The correct answer is: Xanthoma

The second most common soft tissue tumor found in the hand is indeed the glomus tumor, which is typically recognized for its characteristic location under the nail bed. Glomus tumors are derived from the glomus body, which plays a role in the thermoregulation of the finger. They often present as painful masses, especially when exposed to cold, and are more prevalent than other conditions listed. Xanthomas, while notable as skin lesions characterized by lipid deposits, are less frequently encountered as true soft tissue tumors in the hand. Their occurrence is often associated with systemic conditions and does not typically manifest within the hand's soft tissue specifically, making them less common in this anatomical area. Herpetic whitlow is a viral infection caused by herpes simplex virus and is not classified as a tumor. While it can present as swelling and pain in the hand's soft tissues, it is an infectious process rather than a neoplastic one. Fibromas, on the other hand, are benign tumors composed of fibrous connective tissue, but they do not have the same prevalence as glomus tumors when specifically considering soft tissue tumors of the hand. In summary, glomus tumors are recognized as the second most common soft tissue tumor in the hand due to