Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath

Definition

 

Benign tumour that arises from synovial tissues

- found near synovial-lined tendon sheaths

 

? Localised PVNS

 

Epidemiology

 

2nd most common tumour of the hand

 

Age 40 - 60

 

Aetiology

 

Unknown origin

- theorized to be localized form PVNS

- similar histology

- however, lacks the inflammatory component of PVS 

- is considered by most to be a benign neoplasm

- may be a reactive process to minor trauma

 

Clinical

 

Usually found near flexor tendons of hands & feet

- painless, firm and multi-lobulated mass

- usually on volar surface of finger

 

May present with

- lump

- loss of function

 

X-ray

 

Can cause bone invasion and remodelling

 

MRI

 

Low signal on T1 and T2 and arising from the flexor sheath differentiates from sarcoma

 

Pathology

 

Gross

 

Arise from synovial tissue

1. Well-circumscribed & discrete

2. Nodular & encapsulated

 

Doesn't invade surrounding tissues

 

Diagnostic colour

- yellow (cholesterol)

- brown (haemosiderin)

- grey (fibrous tissue)

 

Histology

 

Giant cell tumours prominent

- hyalinised CT

- sheets of round, oval & spindle cells

- focal collections of foam cells - xanthoma cells

- scattered haemosiderin

 

Management

 

Marginal excision + bone currettage

 

Recurrence rate

- 10% - 20%

- to due to incomplete excision or spillage

- higher with bony involvement