Hand numbness is not necessarily caused by carpal tunnel syndrome
Published on: 8/15/2026
Recently, Dr. Vu Anh received a 65-year-old male patient for examination, who suspected he had carpal tunnel syndrome due to hand numbness persisting for about 4 to 5 months.
His symptoms were quite typical of carpal tunnel syndrome: numbness in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd fingers, and the lateral half of the 4th finger (ring finger). However, more specifically, this numbness was not constant and intensified upon pressing a specific point proximal to the nerve segment entering the carpal tunnel.
Electromyography (EMG) results showed no signs of nerve compression, but at the painful site, a tumor was detected along the course of the median nerve. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a tumor located within the median nerve at the wrist level. Because of this location, the tumor caused symptoms very similar to carpal tunnel syndrome, such as finger numbness, pain, and prolonged discomfort.
Typically, tumors of the nervous system (brain tumors, nerve sheath tumors) are rarely malignant; however, due to their "critical" location, they become dangerous because of the risk of compression, nerve damage, or potential postoperative nerve paralysis complications.
Of course, this case required surgery. I discussed the potential risks with the patient, including the risk of nerve paralysis, as any injury to the nerve branches during surgery can lead to postoperative numbness or sensory disturbances. The patient readily agreed to the surgery. The surgery went smoothly; I had to open the epineurium of the median nerve to excise the tumor. Fortunately, postoperatively, the patient showed no signs of nerve damage.
Image 1: Tumor located within the median nerve
Image 2: The excised tumor
As usual, the surgical incision was closed with aesthetic suturing combined with surgical skin glue application, making postoperative care much simpler. The patient could gently move his hand immediately after surgery, without the need for frequent bandage changes, and only needed to cover the wound when going outside to prevent dust and dirt.
Image 3: The surgical incision closed with aesthetic suturing and surgical skin glue
At the 1-week follow-up, the patient shared: "To date, I feel the incision has healed well, my fingers move normally without any impairment. The preoperative pain is gone, and now there is only mild soreness around the incision area."
Image 4: The patient at the 1-week postoperative follow-up with Dr. Vu Anh
Currently, the surgical glue is gradually peeling off naturally as the wound heals. The patient was instructed on early finger mobilization, combined with cold compresses in the early stage to reduce swelling and support functional rehabilitation.
This is a case demonstrating that not all hand numbness is caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Thorough examination and comprehensive clinical evaluation combined with diagnostic imaging play a crucial role in accurately identifying the cause, thereby selecting the most appropriate and effective treatment for the patient.
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