Fibroma of tendon sheath embedded in carpal bones mimicking carpal enchondroma: A case report

RATIONALE: Fibroma of tendon sheath is a rare entity that is typically attached to the tendon sheath. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 43-year-old man presented with a painful mass in his right wrist, which was initially misdiagnosed as an enchondroma. DIAGNOSIS: Fibroma embedded into carpal bones, which exhibited lytic radiographic features similar to those of enchondroma. Excisional biopsy demonstrated spindle-shaped cells and collagen-like stroma. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent lesion resection surgery. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well and showed no signs of recurrence at 6-month follow-up. LESSONS: This case provides valuable insights for hand surgeons. While radiograph is helpful in multiple diseases, histological examination is indispensable for establishment of final diagnosis.