What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Pacinian Corpuscle Hyperplasia
• Pacinian Corpuscle Neuroma
• Pacinioma

What is Pacinian Neuroma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pacinian Neuroma is an uncommon tumor that is caused by multiple, repeated trauma. In this condition, painful lesions form on the hand (predominantly affecting the fingers), foot, or even the vulva (external opening of the vagina)
• Since the condition can be caused by repeat trauma that may occur at the workplace, Pacinian Neuromas may sometimes be considered as work-type injuries or conditions (occupational injury)
• The neuroma arises from Pacinian corpuscles, a type of nerve that is responsible for the sensation of touch and vibration, when it is subjected to repeat trauma from various factors
• A simple surgical excision is considered to be curative. The prognosis for Pacinian Neuroma is usually excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Pacinian Neuroma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pacinian Neuroma can affect individuals of any age, though it is mostly observed in middle-aged adults
• Both males and females are affected
• Individuals of all racial and ethnic background can be affected. Worldwide, no geographical localization has been reported

What are the Risk Factors for Pacinian Neuroma? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Pacinian Neuroma include:

• Glomus tumor
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Arteriovenous anastomosis malformation
• Any occupation that involves repetitive set of motions, which can cause repeated trauma to the hands or feet
• Certain surgical procedures that involve the female genitalia

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Pacinian Neuroma? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Pacinian Neuroma development is unknown.

• Pacinian Neuroma is thought to occur as a reactive process to (multiple) repeated trauma
• The neuroma arises from the Pacinian corpuscles, a specialized type of nerve that is responsible for deep touch and vibration sensation
• The condition is thought to be an abnormal response to trauma/injury, causing the Pacinian corpuscles to become large, resulting in the formation of a benign tumor or neuroma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pacinian Neuroma?

The signs and symptoms of Pacinian Neuroma include:

• The tumors occur as a firm nodule on the foot, hand, or vulva, in the region of the trauma
• The neuroma can be up to 1.5 cm in size (along its maximum dimension)
• The tumors are painful to touch or when pressure is applied on them. Sometimes, the pain may persist, even if there is no pressure applied at the tumor site
• The size of the tumor may have no relation to the pain associated with it. A larger tumor does not mean that the pain will be severe. Sometimes, smaller nodules can cause severe and intense pain

How is Pacinian Neuroma Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Pacinian Neuroma may involve the following:

• A thorough physical examination correlated with a complete medical history (including work history such as nature of one’s job, etc.). A history of trauma to the region is very important for a diagnosis
• Biopsy of the tumor: The pathological examination of the biopsy may show characteristic histological findings, when examined by a pathologist under the microscope. The pathologist may use special techniques, such as immunohistochemistry stains, to help arrive at a diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Pacinian Neuroma?

A few complications of Pacinian Neuroma include:

• The tumor can cause severe pain
• Tumors on the hands or fingers can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as cooking, including office tasks such as typing, etc. and can cause stress
• Tumors on the foot can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as walking, wearing shoes, etc. and can cause stress
• Pain and discomfort during sex causing emotional stress if the neuroma develops on the vulva

How is Pacinian Neuroma Treated?

• The treatment of Pacinian Neuroma, a benign tumor, is a complete surgical excision that results in a cure
• Once the tumor is completely removed, the pain subsides and it usually does not recur. An incomplete removal of the tumor may result in a recurrence

How can Pacinian Neuroma be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Pacinian Neuroma occurrence
• However, it may be possible to avoid repeated injury to the hand or foot from simple physical tasks

What is the Prognosis of Pacinian Neuroma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The Pacinian Neuroma is a benign tumor. The prognosis is excellent upon its complete surgical removal, which is also curative.

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Pacinian Neuroma:

Pacinian Neuromas can also be found in other parts of the body including inside the abdomen (when it is called Intraperitoneal Pacinian Neuroma) and in the sacrococcygeal region (when it is called Sacrococcygeal Pacinian Neuroma).