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

• Pacinian Corpuscle Hyperplasia of Vulva
• Pacinian Corpuscle Neuroma of Vulva
• Pacinioma of Vulva

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

• Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva is an uncommon tumor found in women that occurs after a trauma, such as due to a surgical procedure. In this condition, painful lesions form on the vulva (external mouth of the vagina)
• The neuroma arises from pacinian corpuscles, a type of nerve 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 Vulva is excellent with suitable treatment

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

• Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva can affect females of any age, though it is mostly observed in middle-aged women
• 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 Vulva? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva include:

• Certain surgical procedures performed in the vulvar region can increase the risk

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 Vulva? (Etiology)

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

• The condition is thought to occur as a reactive process to an injury or trauma such as may occur from a surgical procedure to the vulvar region
• 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 repeat 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 Vulva?

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

• The tumors occur as a firm nodule on the vulva (external opening of the vagina), 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 Vulva Diagnosed?

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

• A thorough physical examination, correlated with a complete medical history. 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 Vulva?

A few complications of Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva include:

• The tumor can cause severe pain
• Pain and discomfort during sex causing emotional stress

How is Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva Treated?

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

Currently, there are no definitive methods available to prevent Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva occurrence.

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

Pacinian Neuroma of the Vulva 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 Vulva:

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).