Short report

Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (localised nodular tenosynovitis): clinicopathological features of 71 cases

H Monaghan, D M Salter and A Al-Nafussi

Department of Pathology, Edinburgh University Medical School, Teviot Place, Edinburgh EH8 9AG, UK

Correspondence to:
Dr Monaghan H.Monaghan{at}ed.ac.uk

Aims/Background—Giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTTS) is regarded as the most common neoplasm of the hand that can recur after excision. The objective of this study was to review a series of cases in our department and to determine any clinical or pathological features that might predict the likelihood of recurrence.

Methods—Clinical data, obtained from pathology request forms and in patient notes, along with the gross and microscopic appearances of 71 cases of GCTTS were evaluated.

Results—Clinical features and pathological features identified were similar to those of previous studies. In comparison with previous studies a higher mitotic count (range, 1–21 mitoses/10 high power fields (HPF); mean, 5/10 HPF) was noted in all cases, irrespective of recurrence and numerous apoptotic bodies (up to 30/10 HPF), mainly formed from osteoclast-like giant cells, were present.

Conclusions—GCTTS is a relatively rare soft tissue tumour of uncertain histiogenesis. Mitotic and apoptotic figures are a common feature and do not indicate clinical behaviour. Complete local excision is the treatment of choice.

Key Words: giant cell tumour tendon sheath • apoptosis • osteoclasts

CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

• Liu, P. T. (2007). Radiological Reasoning: Acutely Painful Swollen Finger. Am. J. Roentgenol. 188: S13-S17 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• KITAGAWA, Y., ITO, H., YOKOYAMA, M., SAWAIZUMI, T., MAEDA, S. (2004). The Effect of Cellular Proliferative Activity on Recurrence and Local Tumour Extent of Localized Giant Cell Tumour of Tendon Sheath. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 29: 604-607 [Abstract] [Full Text]  
• LOREA, P., VAN DE WALLE, H., KINNEN, L., LEDOUX, P., MOERMANS, J-P., VAN DEN HEULE, B. (2004). Giant Cell Tumours of the Tendon Sheath: Lack of Correlation between nm23-H1 Expression and Recurrence. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 29: 67-70 [Abstract] [Full Text]