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

• Pacinian Corpuscle Hyperplasia of Foot
• Pacinian Corpuscle Neuroma of Foot
• Pacinioma of Foot

What is Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot? (Definition/Background Information)

• Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot is an uncommon tumor that is caused by multiple, repeated trauma. In this condition, painful lesions form on the foot
• Since the condition can be caused by repeat trauma that may occur at the workplace, Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot can be sometimes considered as a work-type injury or condition (an occupational injury)
• The neuroma arises from Pacinian corpuscles when these undergo repeated trauma due to various factors. A Pacinian corpuscle is a type of nerve ending that is responsible for the sensation of touch and vibration
• A simple surgical excision is considered to be curative. The prognosis for Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot is excellent with suitable treatment

Who gets Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot 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 of the Foot? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot include:

• Arteriovenous anastomosis malformation
• Any occupation that involves repetitive motions, which can cause repeated trauma to the feet

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 of the Foot? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot development is unknown.

• The condition is thought to occur as a reactive process to multiple and repeated trauma
• Pacinian neuroma arises from the Pacinian corpuscles, specialized types of nerve ending that are responsible for deep touch and vibration sensation
• The condition is thought to be an abnormal response to repeated 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 of the Foot?

The signs and symptoms of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot include:

• The tumors occur as firm nodules on the foot, 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 when they are touched 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 of the Foot Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot 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 a 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 of the Foot?

A few complications of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot include:

• The tumor can cause severe pain
• Tumors on the foot can make it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as walking, wearing shoes, etc. and can cause emotional stress
• Recurrence of the tumor following treatment

How is Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot Treated?

• The treatment of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot, 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 of the Foot be Prevented?

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent the formation of Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot
• However, one may take suitable steps/precautions to avoid repeated injury to the foot or toes that occur from simple physical tasks, and thus minimize the risk for the same

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

Pacinian Neuroma of the Foot 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 of the Foot:

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