A Solitary Neurofibroma of the Small Finger Associated with Trauma

Choi,  Hwan Jun; Jung,  Kyu Hwa; Nam,  Doo Hyun

doi:2013.22.2.78

Arch Hand Microsurg > Volume 22(2); 2013 > Article

Case Report

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2013;22(2):78-81.
Published online November 30, 2013.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15596/ARMS.2013.22.2.78

A Solitary Neurofibroma of the Small Finger Associated with Trauma

Hwan Jun Choi, Kyu Hwa Jung, Doo Hyun Nam

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Cheonan, Korea. medi619@hanmail.net

Received: 27 July 2013 • Revised: 21 September 2013 • Accepted: 24 September 2013

Abstract

Neurofibroma may present as a solitary lesion or as multiple lesions. Although there is no site of predilection for solitary lesions, occurrence on the hand is rare. Plexiform neurofibroma can develop in isolation or more commonly as a part of neurofibromatosis type 1. In those that apper in isolation, trauma has been suggested as a precipitating factor. A 68-year-old male farmer had experienced repetitive prior episodes of trauma in the involved finger. He presented with a painless mass on the dorsal aspect of the fifth finger. Physical examination showed a protruding mass measuring approximately 15×20 mm which was not tenderness to palpation and any skin changes or pigmentation. Ultrasonography showed a cystic mass on the dorsal aspect of the middle phalanx. Microsurgical dissection was applied in order to seperated the lesion from the ulnar side of the dorsal branch of the digital nerve. Pathologic examination of the specimens revealed neurofibroma. At three-month follow-up, motor and sensory function were intact, and range of motion was fully recovered. Traumatic solitary neurofibroma is a rare tumor of the hand, especially in the finger. Hand surgeons should be aware of the diagnostic possibilities of this tumor based on examination, history taking and imaging studies.

Key Words: Neurofibroma, Fingers, Isolation