When a Small Bump on Your Finger Turns Out to Be More: A Neurofibroma Case

Last week, I had a patient come into my Durango office with what looked like a simple bump on their index finger. They'd noticed it growing slowly over several months, and it was starting to cause some numbness and tingling. What we discovered during surgery was a 16mm neurofibroma - about the size of a small grape - wrapped around one of the finger's nerves.

What Exactly Is a Neurofibroma?

Think of a neurofibroma as nature's bubble wrap around a nerve. These benign tumors grow from the cells that normally protect and insulate our nerves. While they sound scary, they're not cancerous. The tricky part is that they grow right within the nerve tissue itself, like a knot in a rope.

In the finger, where space is tight and every millimeter matters for function, even a small neurofibroma can cause big problems. My patient described it perfectly: "It felt like someone was constantly pressing on a bruise, and my fingertip kept going numb."

Why Do They Develop?

Most of the time, we simply don't know why someone develops a solitary neurofibroma. They can pop up in anyone, at any age. The good news is that a single neurofibroma on its own is usually just a random occurrence - not part of a larger condition.

However, if someone has multiple neurofibromas or certain skin markings, we might be looking at a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. That's why careful examination and sometimes genetic counseling become important parts of the process.

The Symptoms That Bring People In

The patients I see in Durango with finger neurofibromas typically describe:

• A slowly growing, firm bump

• Numbness or tingling in part of the finger

• Sharp, shooting pains when they bump the area

• Difficulty with fine motor tasks like buttoning shirts

• A feeling that their finger "isn't quite right"

One thing that sets neurofibromas apart from other finger bumps is that tapping on them often sends an electric shock down the finger. We call this Tinel's sign, and it's a dead giveaway that we're dealing with nerve tissue.

How We Make the Diagnosis

When a patient comes to my office at Animas Orthopedic Associates with a suspicious finger bump, I start with a thorough examination. I'll test sensation in different parts of the finger and look for that telltale Tinel's sign.

Sometimes an MRI helps us see the relationship between the tumor and the surrounding nerve, but often the clinical examination tells us everything we need to know. The definitive diagnosis always comes from the pathologist after we remove the tumor.

The Surgical Solution

Removing a neurofibroma requires delicate nerve repair surgery. These aren't like cysts that we can simply pop out. The tumor is intimately connected with the nerve fibers, so the surgery becomes a careful dissection under magnification.

In my patient's case, we were able to remove the entire 16mm x 12mm x 8mm tumor while preserving most of the nerve function. The key is using microsurgical techniques and sometimes nerve grafts to bridge any gaps we create during removal.

Recovery and What to Expect

After neurofibroma removal, patients typically experience immediate relief from the pressure-related pain. However, nerve healing takes time - often several months for full recovery.

My Durango patients usually return to light activities within a week or two, but we protect the finger from heavy use for about six weeks while the nerve heals. Hand therapy can help  restore full function and sensation, but it is frequently not necessary.

The best part? Recurrence is rare when we achieve complete removal. Most patients tell me months later that they'd forgotten what the numbness felt like.

When to Seek Help

If you notice a growing bump on your finger that causes numbness, tingling, or sharp pains, don't wait. Early treatment often means easier surgery and better outcomes.

Here in the Four Corners region, I see patients from Cortez, Farmington, and Pagosa Springs who've waited months or even years before seeking treatment. While neurofibromas aren't dangerous, they don't improve on their own and can make daily activities increasingly difficult.

The Bottom Line

A solitary neurofibroma might sound intimidating, but it's a manageable condition with excellent treatment outcomes. The combination of careful surgical technique and proper rehabilitation typically restores normal finger function.

If you're dealing with a mysterious finger bump that's affecting your quality of life, specialized hand surgery evaluation can provide answers and relief. After more than a decade of practicing orthopedic surgery in Durango, I've learned that addressing these problems early leads to the best results for my patients.

Whether you're a weekend warrior hitting the trails around Durango or someone whose livelihood depends on their hands, getting back to full function is the goal we work toward together.