Giant Cell Tumour of the Tendon Sheath

Benign nodular tumour found on the tendon sheath of the hands and feet

Aetiology

  • Unknown

Pathophysiology

  • Benign regenerative hyperplasia with inflammatory process
  • Can be localised (common) or diffuse (uncommon, associated with pigmented villonodular synovitis)

Clinical presentation

  • Firm, discreet swelling, usually on volar aspect of digits
  • Can occur in toes
  • May or may not be tender
notion image

Investigations

  • Imaging - x-ray, ultrasound, MRI

Management

  • Leave alone if no functional issue
  • Surgical excision - usually marginal excision (not complete) as tumour is adherent to tendon sheath
  • Incidence of recurrence