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

• Digital Pacinian Neuroma
• Pacinian Corpuscle Neuroma of Hand
• Pacinioma of Hand

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

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

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

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

The risk factors for Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand include:

• Glomus tumor
• Dupuytren's contracture
• Arteriovenous anastomosis malformation
• Any occupation that involves repetitive set of motions, which can  cause repeated trauma to the hand

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 Hand? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand 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, a specialized type of nerve that is 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 enlarged, resulting in the formation of a benign tumor or neuroma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand?

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

• The tumors occur as a firm nodule on the hand; it is predominantly observed on the finger, 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 Hand Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand may involve the following:

• A thorough physical examination, correlated with a complete medical history (including work history, such as nature of job). 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 Hand?

A few complications of Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand 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

How is Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand Treated?

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

• Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand occurrence
• However, it may be possible to avoid repeated injury to the hand or fingers that occur from simple physical tasks, such as cutting or typing

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

Pacinian Neuroma of the Hand 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 Hand:

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).