Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath at the hand: A case report and literature review

INTRODUCTION: GCTTS is the second most popular soft tissue tumor at the hand next to ganglion cyst, and also named tenosynovial giant cell tumor or pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis. It is divided into localized form and diffuse form. We introduce a report of a rare case of GCTTS in a female where lesions were identiied within the left ring finger and also conducted a literature review. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We describe a 32-year-old female patient with GCTTS a single digit since six months. Radiographic and histopathological examination is necessary to help determine whether to take further treatment. Surgical excision was performed, including complete removal of the tumor and reconstruction of the pulley with autologous tendon. Histopathology suggested that these masses were consistent with GCTTS without malignancy. There was no clinical and radiologic evidence of recurrence six months after surgery. DISCUSSION: GCTTS is a benign fibrous tissue tumor originating from the tenosynosheath, bursae and joint synovium. This tumor is more common in adults aged 30–50, and is slanted toward females. The major risk of GCTTS is recurrence and joint damage, which requires surgical resection. The integrity of the pulley plays an important role in the function of the hand. In this case, the ipsilateral metacarpal tendon was taken during the operation to reconstruct the pulley to reduce the possibility of loss of hand function. CONCLUSION: This case represents a rare case of GCTTS at the hand within a single digit. Due to its high recurrence rate, the tumor should be completely removed to reduce the possibility of recurrence. Radiographic and histopathological examination must be performed on the tumor, which is determined to be benign and does not require further treatment. The function of the hand should be reconstructed to minimize the loss if necessary.