Patients › Hand
腱鞘巨细胞瘤(手指或拇指上的肿块)
A giant cell tumour of tendon sheath is a common, benign (non-cancerous) lump on a finger or thumb. What causes it, how it is diagnosed and removed, and how often it comes back.
您的感受¶
大多数人会注意到手指或拇指上有一个不痛的肿块。它通常质地坚硬,并且生长缓慢。有些肿块紧挨着关节,常常是最靠近指尖的那个关节,它们可以出现在手指的背侧、侧面或掌侧。食指是最常见的部位。
几乎在所有情况下,肿块本身都不痛。如果有不适,往往是因为肿块在生长过程中压迫了附近的结构。如果肿块压迫到神经,少数人会感到手指刺痛或麻木。有些人发现手指活动时会卡住或发出咔嗒声,有点像扳机指,即手指短暂卡住后又突然弹开。如果肿块靠近关节,由于肿块碍事,该手指可能难以完全弯曲。
需要用到该手指的日常活动可能会变得不便。如果肿块恰好位于您抓握时受力的位置,捡起小硬币、扣扣子、握笔或拧瓶盖都可能感觉笨拙。肿块也可能被手套或口袋挂住。
在肿块困扰到您、让您想去咨询之前,它往往已经存在很长时间了。许多人会等上数月或数年,看着它慢慢变化。
关于这种疾病,有几点值得了解。它是良性的,这意味着它不会扩散到身体其他部位。它在女性中略多于男性,通常在32岁至51岁之间出现。大多数人只有一个肿块,不过有些人会在不同部位长出不止一个。
请留意手指或手部是否变得发热、发红、肿胀和疼痛,尤其是伴有发烧时。如果出现这种情况,请当天前往急诊科。如果肿块持续增大、开始疼痛,或手指无法正常活动,请去看您的全科医生或要求专科医生评估。
实际发生了什么¶
肌腱是连接肌肉与骨骼、使手指能够弯曲的坚韧索状结构。每条肌腱都在一层称为腱鞘的薄鞘管内穿行,它的作用有点像套在绳子外面的密封圈,让绳索保持光滑,以便在手指活动时自如滑动。
在这种疾病中,这层鞘管里的细胞开始过度生长。结果就形成一个软组织肿块,位于肌腱上或肌腱旁,常常靠近关节。它是良性的,意味着它不会扩散,而且生长缓慢。大多数肿块较小,平均约1.35厘米,不过有些会长得更大。
肿块由几种成分聚集而成:炎症细胞、巨细胞(就是带有多个细胞核的细胞),以及一种称为含铁血黄素的深色色素,也就是让陈旧淤青变色的那种物质。正是因为这种色素,这些肿块如果在手术中被看到,可能呈褐色。
您在上一节中注意到的症状,来自肿块占据了空间、造成妨碍。随着它长大,它可能压迫肌腱、关节或神经,这就解释了卡顿、僵硬以及偶尔出现的刺痛。大多数时候它根本不痛,每100人中只有约16人报告有疼痛。
有几点值得了解。大多数人只有一个肿块,但每100人中约有21人有两个或更多彼此独立的肿块。肿块通常位于关节旁,在发生于手指的病例中,约三分之一位于最靠近指尖的关节。在极少数情况下,肿块可能压入骨骼本身,这会在X光片上显示出来。
这种疾病还有一种较罕见、更弥漫的形式,它以细小的指状突起沿肌腱蔓延,而不是形成一个边界清楚的肿块。这种形式在手指上少见得多,表现也往往不同,因此您的外科医生在制定任何方案之前,都会希望准确弄清楚这是哪一种肿块。
我们如何处理¶
Mater Private Hospital Rockhampton 的上肢外科医生 Kieran Hirpara 医生会从适合您病情的最微创方案入手。患者通常由全科医生(GP)转诊至我们的诊所;如果理疗师建议您就诊,您仍需获得全科医生的转诊才能符合 Medicare 报销资格。在门诊就诊时,我们会采集病史,检查您的手部,并在需要时安排影像学检查,以准确判断这是哪一种肿块。
由于这种肿块是良性的且生长缓慢,不予处理是一个切实可行的选择。对于一个小而无痛的肿块,单纯观察可能就是正确的选择。如果肿块造成妨碍,手部治疗可以帮助改善僵硬和卡顿。治疗的目的是让手指保持活动,使日常活动更容易。我们通常建议先充分尝试这种方法,再考虑手术。
目前没有能让这种肿块缩小的药物,因此止痛药和消炎药只能缓解肿块压迫附近组织引起的不适。它们不会使肿块变小。
当肿块较大、疼痛或妨碍手指正常活动时,手术是常用的治疗方法。目的是将整个肿块连同它在腱鞘上的附着部位一并切除,因为留下这个附着部位正是肿块得以复发的原因。我们会在手术前仔细计划,在手术中使用放大设备,并将肿块完整切除。复发是这种疾病的主要风险,通常发生在切除后的36个月内。在一组605名切除了手指肿块的患者中,14.8%出现了复发。换一种说法:大多数人,即每100人中约85人,不会复发。如果确实复发了,再次切除并采取额外措施防止其再生长,仍然可以解决问题。
预期情况¶
这种肿块的预后稳定而非剧烈变化。它是良性的,因此不会扩散到您身体的其他部位。如果不予处理,一个无痛的小肿块通常会继续缓慢生长,或者就保持原样。它很少会自行消退,也不会变成任何危险的东西。
随着时间推移,这种疾病主要的问题是切除后复发。复发是这种肿块的主要风险,通常发生在切除后的36个月内。有些肿块比其他肿块更容易复发:由两个或更多彼此不相连的独立部分组成的肿块,以及已长入肌腱本身或关节内衬的肿块。当整个肿块连同其附着部位一并切除时,这种风险会大大降低。
治疗后的功能往往良好。在一项衡量肢体功能的标准评估中,从手指上切除过此类肿块的人平均得分为正常肢体功能的92%。在已报道的病例中,患者的手指保持了完全的活动度,到两年复查时,X光片上手指骨骼的形态也已恢复正常。
如果肿块是较罕见、更具蔓延性的类型,以指状突起包绕肌腱,那么它更难被完全切除,也更容易复发。在这些情况下,针对该部位的放射治疗可以帮助控制肿块,同时保持您的手部功能。
如果您选择只观察一个小而无痛的肿块,实际情况是:肿块会缓慢生长或保持不变,并可能逐渐使弯曲手指或用它完成细小动作变得更加不便。如果它开始疼痛、持续增大,或手指无法正常活动,那时通常就值得接受治疗了。
何时就医¶
大多数这类肿块并不紧急,治疗从来不需要争分夺秒。如果肿块没有消退、在数周内不断增大、开始疼痛,或使您无法正常使用手指或手,请去看您的全科医生。如果手指活动时卡住或发出咔嗒声,如果您注意到刺痛或麻木,或者由于肿块碍事而难以完全弯曲手指,请要求专科医生评估。这些情况值得尽早检查,因为已长入肌腱或关节内衬的肿块更难被完全切除,也更容易复发。
有一组症状确实需要当天就医。如果您的手指或手部变得发热、发红、肿胀和疼痛,尤其是伴有发烧时,请前往急诊科。您不需要先获得全科医生的转诊。如果在非工作时间或周末无法联系到诊所,请前往离您最近的急诊科。
深入探讨¶
Advanced reading: the deeper science (optional)
本节内容超出了您自身治疗决策所需的范围。腱鞘巨细胞瘤值得额外阅读,因为其核心问题在于复发,且证据表明,复发更多由单个肿瘤的生物学特性驱动,而非由切除方式决定。
复发是肿瘤的特性,而不仅仅是手术的问题¶
对于肿块复发的直觉性解释是手术中残留了部分肿瘤。一项针对605例指部病例的系统性综述得出了相反的结论:肿瘤的内在生物学特性在复发中似乎比肿瘤位置或局部侵袭性起着更根本的作用,作者呼吁开展更大规模的前瞻性研究,以识别哪些肿瘤易于复发 [1]。
在手术前告知患者这一点确实非常有用。在规范执行的切除术后发生复发,是这种肿瘤的已知行为表现,而非手术失误的证据。
治疗为择期进行,不采取任何措施也是一个切实可行的选择¶
一旦开始计划手术,人们很容易忽视这一点。一线治疗的原则是完整切除,但治疗绝非紧急,且手术指征应与症状、进展、部位及患者自身情况相权衡 [4]。
对于体积小、无痛且缓慢生长的结节,观察等待是一个合理的选择。该肿瘤为良性且不会扩散,因此支持手术的理由在于功能、大小及不适感——而非危险性。
但有两个手术因素确实重要¶
生物学并非全部。在一项针对941例局限性腱鞘巨细胞瘤患者的研究中,与切除术后复发相关的因素是较大的肿瘤体积和初始采用关节镜治疗。鉴于并发症发生率相对较低且功能预后良好,作者建议,在可能的情况下,对高风险病例采用开放入路并完整切除,以降低复发率 [2]。
相反的观点是,一项针对1,448例患者的综述显示,关节镜切除在四个关节的局限性型病变中均被证明有效;而在弥漫型病变中,关节镜滑膜切除术仅在膝关节中显示出疗效 [3]。
调和这两者:对于小型、局限性且边界清晰的病变,两种入路均可行。随着体积增大,以及对于弥漫型病变,完整开放切除的支持证据更为充分。其原因是机械性的:该肿瘤以指状突起围绕肌腱、神经和关节延伸,而最容易被遗漏的部分是那些藏在必须被抬起并直接检查的结构后方的部分。
命名为何重要¶
该疾病目前归类于腱鞘巨细胞瘤,涵盖手部局限性型以及既往被称为色素性绒毛结节性滑膜炎的弥漫性关节内型 [4]。它们是同一疾病在不同部位和生长模式下的表现。
如果您查阅相关主题,了解这一点很有价值,因为搜索会返回关于膝部和髋部的资料,这些资料描述的是该疾病的弥漫性形式,而弥漫性疾病的复发率远高于局限性指部病变。将膝关节的数据应用于手指肿块会夸大风险。
放射治疗在其中的定位¶
对于复发或无法完全切除的弥漫性疾病,有时会考虑辅助放射治疗。一项荟萃分析发现,开放滑膜切除术,或滑膜切除术联合围手术期放射治疗,与弥漫性色素性绒毛结节性滑膜炎的复发率降低相关,同时呼吁开展大型长期前瞻性研究以证实这一结论 [5]。
对于局限性指部肿瘤(这是手部病例的绝大多数),此问题并不存在。它属于弥漫性、复发性、关节源性谱系的另一端,此处提及它仅因搜索该疾病名称时会检索到相关内容。
它不是什么¶
尽管名称如此,这是一种良性肿瘤。它不会扩散到身体其他部位。“肿瘤”一词在此处承载了不应有的沉重含义,且关于复发的担忧在于反复的局部手术、僵硬以及神经邻近性,而非癌症。
参考文献¶
[1] Fotiadis E, Papadopoulos A, Svarnas T, Akritopoulos P, Sachinis NP, Chalidis BE. 指部腱鞘巨细胞瘤。系统综述。Hand (N Y). 2011;6(3):244-9. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11552-011-9341-9
[2] Mastboom M, Staals E, Verspoor F, Rueten-Budde A, Stacchiotti S, Palmerini E, et al. 大关节局限性腱鞘巨细胞瘤的手术治疗:基于31个国际肉瘤中心多中心汇总数据库的研究。J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2019;101(14):1309-18. https://doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.18.01147
[3] Noailles T, Brulefert K, Briand S, Longis P, Andrieu K, Chalopin A, et al. 腱鞘巨细胞瘤:开放手术还是关节镜滑膜切除术?文献系统综述。Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(5):809-14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2017.03.016
[4] Gouin F, Noailles T. 腱鞘巨细胞瘤的局限性和弥漫性形式(原称腱鞘巨细胞瘤和色素性绒毛结节性滑膜炎)。Orthop Traumatol Surg Res. 2017;103(1):S91-S97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2016.11.002
[5] Mollon B, Lee A, Busse JW, Griffin AM, Ferguson PC, Wunder JS, et al. 手术滑膜切除术和放射治疗对膝关节色素性绒毛结节性滑膜炎复发率的影响。Bone Joint J. 2015;97-B(4):550-7. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620X.97B4.34907
Evidence & references
This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.
Overview¶
- The diagnosis and treatment of suspected hand neoplasms should proceed in an orderly fashion similar to accepted methods applied to tumors in other locations of the extremities [1].
- Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand are benign lesions where recurrence is the primary risk [3, 4].
- Recurrence of giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths typically occurs within 36 months of excision [3].
- The fundamental consideration in the management of hand tumours is to reconcile adequate tumour clearance with the maintenance of function and appearance [20].
- Complete surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for most patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumors [15].
- Diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumor disease presents challenges due to high recurrence rates [15].
- Curettage, cryosurgery, and cementation performed by experienced surgeons appears to be a safe, effective, and reliable method for treating selected giant cell tumors of the hand [5].
- In cases of infiltrative giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath, radiation therapy may provide local tumor control with preservation of hand function [12].
- En bloc resection of the tumour and reconstruction with a fibular graft where necessary should be considered as the treatment of choice in giant cell tumour of the hand [10].
- En bloc resection of the tumour and reconstruction with an autograft should be considered in the treatment of recurrent giant cell tumour of the hand [8].
- En bloc resection and matched nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer for Campanacci Grade 2 or 3 giant cell tumor of the phalanges resulted in a functional tumor-free digit with a low complication rate and no recurrences [35].
- Well-designed studies combining the recurrence rates of several hand surgery centers implementing a standardized treatment are needed to better demonstrate the associated risk factors for recurrence [28].
Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶
Clinical Presentation and Demographics¶
- Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is the second most common benign proliferative tumour in the upper extremities after ganglion cysts [102].
- GCTTS are usually slow-growing, painless, benign soft tissue tumours [102].
- GCTTS are most commonly found in the fingers and among women in their fourth and fifth decades [102].
- The male-to-female ratio for GCTTS of the digits is 1:1.47 [23].
- The mean age range for GCTTS of the digits is 32 to 51 years [23].
- Pain was reported in 15.7% of GCTTS cases and sensory disturbances in 4.57% of cases [23].
- A definite history of trauma was recorded in 5% of GCTTS lesions [23].
- The most frequent tumour location for GCTTS of the digits is the index finger (29.7%) [23].
- In a series of 64 cases, the most frequent location for GCTTS was the long finger (23.5%), followed by the thumb, index finger, and hand (20.3% each) [49].
- Patients with GCTTS arising in the fingers complained of a painless mass in almost every instance [24].
- The duration of symptoms for finger GCTTS ranged from two weeks to fifteen years, with an average duration of thirty-eight months [24].
- GCTTS are usually firm, lobulated, and non-tender masses [24].
- As the tumour grows, patients may present with swelling, pain, and limitation of movement [102].
Anatomical Distribution and Morphology¶
- Fifty-three xanthomas (GCTTS) arose adjacent to joints in the fingers, whereas twenty-nine bore no relation to joints [24].
- Thirty-one of ninety-one finger GCTTS occurred at the distal joints [24].
- Of the thirty-one distal joint GCTTS, eighteen were on the dorsal aspect and thirteen were distributed evenly on the radial, ulnar, and volar aspects [24].
- Type I GCTTS (single lesions) were more frequently detected (78.7%) than Type II tumours (two or more distinct tumours that were not joined together) (21.3%) [23].
- Type 1 GCTTS includes a nodular or multinodular lesion surrounded by a capsule, while Type 2 describes tumours with no connective tissue membrane and satellite, diffuse, or multicentric nodules [102].
- The average size of GCTTS was 1.35 cm, with a range of 0.3 cm to 5 cm [49].
- Bone erosion was found in 3 patients (4.7%) in a series of 64 GCTTS cases [49].
- Tendon involvement with flexors/extensors ratio of 4:3 was found in 7 cases (10.9%) in a series of 64 GCTTS cases [49].
- Involvement of the neurovascular bundle was presented in 7 patients (10.9%) in a series of 64 GCTTS cases [49].
- A case report describes the first patient with three separate GCTTS developing from both flexor and extensor tendons in a single digit [7].
Histology and Pathogenesis¶
- Microscopically, all GCTTS contained multinucleated giant cells, histiocytes, and haemosiderin deposits [49].
- GCTTS originates from the synovial membrane, tendon sheath, or synovial bursa [102].
- Inflammation resulting from reactive or regenerative hyperplasia is the generally accepted theory of pathogenesis for GCTTS [102].
- Genetic factors have been observed in previous studies regarding GCTTS pathogenesis [102].
- Fibroma of tendon sheath is histologically distinct from giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, a lesion with which it is commonly confused [16].
Diagnostic Imaging¶
- Radiography can be helpful in evaluating cortical destruction but is not helpful in the definitive diagnosis of GCTTS [102].
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the most useful examination for the diagnosis and treatment planning of GCTTS [102].
- Al-Qattan classified GCTTS with MRI into two types according to the risk of recurrence [102].
Classification¶
- Giant cell tumors of the synovial sheaths in the hand are benign lesions in which recurrence is the primary risk [4].
- Recurrence for giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths typically occurs within 36 months of excision [3].
- The Al-Qattan classification divides giant cell tumours of tendon sheath into two main types based on whether the entire tumour is surrounded by one pseudocapsule as assessed by the surgeon during surgery [90].
- Type I tumours are defined as those where the entire tumour is surrounded by one pseudocapsule [90].
- Type II tumours are defined as those where the entire tumour is not surrounded by one pseudocapsule [90].
- Type I tumours are sub-classified according to the thickness of the capsule, lobulation of the tumour, the presence of satellite lesions, and the diffuse or multicenteric nature of the tumour [90].
- Type II tumours are sub-classified according to the thickness of the capsule, lobulation of the tumour, the presence of satellite lesions, and the diffuse or multicenteric nature of the tumour [90].
- In a prospective study of 43 consecutive cases, none of the type I tumours (n=30) recurred [90].
- In a prospective study of 43 consecutive cases, recurrence occurred in five out of 13 type II tumours [90].
- Second recurrences were seen with type II B and C tumours, but not type II A tumours [90].
- Type I tumours (single lesions) were more frequently detected (78.7%) than type II tumours (two or more distinct tumours that were not joined together) (21.3%) in a systematic review of 605 patients [23].
- Type II tumours were associated with higher recurrence rates compared to Type I tumours in a systematic review of 605 patients [23].
- Direct involvement of the extensor tendons, flexor tendons, or joint capsule puts patients in a high-risk category with respect to recurrence [43].
- Preoperative diagnosis and meticulous surgical technique were found to be the only predictive factor of recurrence in a series of 14 cases [34].
- The overall recurrence rate in a systematic review of 605 patients was 14.8% [23].
Clinical Presentation¶
- Patients with fibrous xanthomas arising in the fingers complained of a painless mass in almost every instance [24].
- The duration of symptoms for finger tumors ranged from two weeks to fifteen years, with an average duration of thirty-eight months [24].
- The tumors were usually firm, lobulated, and non-tender [24].
- Fifty-three xanthomas arose adjacent to joints in the fingers, whereas twenty-nine bore no relation to joints [24].
- Thirty-one of the ninety-one tumors in the fingers occurred at the distal joints [24].
- Eighteen of the thirty-one distal joint tumors were on the dorsal aspect of the joint, and thirteen were distributed about evenly on the radial, ulnar, and volar aspects of the joint [24].
- The most frequent tumour location for giant cell tumour of tendon sheath of the digits was the index finger (29.7%) [23].
- Pain was reported in 15.7% of cases and sensory disturbances in 4.57% of cases [23].
- A definite history of trauma was recorded in 5% of lesions [23].
- Type I tumours (single lesions) were more frequently detected (78.7%) than type II tumours (two or more distinct tumours that were not joined together) (21.3%) [23].
- The male-to-female ratio for giant cell tumour of tendon sheath of the digits was 1:1.47 [23].
- The mean age for giant cell tumour of tendon sheath of the digits ranged from 32 to 51 years [23].
- A tendon tumour can present as a trigger finger [18].
- Trigger wrist caused by a giant cell tumour of tendon sheath has been reported [26].
- The trigger phenomenon in trigger wrist caused by a giant cell tumour of tendon sheath probably occurred when the tumour entered and left the distal carpal tunnel [26].
- Fibroma of tendon sheath is a benign soft tissue tumor that has a predilection for the hand [16].
- Fibroma of tendon sheath may be more common than has been previously recognized [16].
- The differential diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor in the digits and hand is usually limited to a ganglion, an inclusion cyst, or a giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (xanthofibroma) [16].
- Fibroma of tendon sheath should be included in the differential diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor in the digits and hand [16].
- A case of fibroma of tendon sheath presented as a 6-year history of a slowly enlarging palmar mass of the left index finger [16].
- Examination of a fibroma of tendon sheath case demonstrated a soft, compressible, lobulated, nontender mass extending from the second web space to the tip of the finger [16].
- Flexion of the digit was limited by the bulge in a case of fibroma of tendon sheath [16].
- The unusual location of a fibroma of the tendon sheath and atypical nature of the triggering phenomenon can lead to it being reported as a rare cause of median nerve compression at the wrist [50].
- Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and pigmented villonodular synovitis are benign, locally invasive tumors involving synovium, tendon sheaths, and bursae [47].
- Patients with giant cell tumor of tendon sheath or pigmented villonodular synovitis may present with a discrete mass or with joint swelling, pain, or locking or catching [47].
- The knee and digits of the hand are the most common locations of lesions for giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and pigmented villonodular synovitis [47].
- Multifocal lesions of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath and pigmented villonodular synovitis are rare [47].
- The authors report the uniqueness of a case of multicentric giant cell tumor in the upper extremity [9].
- Radiological changes in the form of bony indentation was seen in only 2 cases of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in a series of 12 patients [34].
- The most common presentation for giant cell tumor of tendon sheath in a series of 12 patients was with a mass over the hand, with a predilection to the thumb [34].
- A 65-year-old man presented with a slowly enlarging mass on the dorsal aspect of the left thumb consistent with a recurrent giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath [33].
Investigations¶
- The differential diagnosis of a soft tissue tumor in the digits and hand is usually limited to a ganglion, an inclusion cyst, or a giant cell tumor of tendon sheath [16].
- Fibroma of tendon sheath should be included in the differential diagnosis as it may be more common than has been previously recognized [16].
- Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digit should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rapidly enlarging digital lesions [64].
- Although MRI findings and location might help in the diagnosis of tenosynovial giant cell tumors, careful assessment is mandatory, especially in unusual locations [129].
Treatment¶
General Principles¶
Surgical Excision¶
- Complete surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for most patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumors, though diffuse disease presents challenges due to high recurrence rates [15].
- En bloc resection of metacarpal giant cell tumors with reconstruction by iliac graft appears to be an effective treatment [14].
- En bloc resection and matched nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer resulted in a functional tumor-free digit with a low complication rate and no recurrences for Campanacci Grade 2 or 3 giant cell tumors of the phalanges [35].
- Total surgical excision ensuring removal of the attachment site (flexor sheath/palmar fascia) resulted in no local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years for fibroma of tendon sheath [11].
- Local excision of the tumour appears to be a satisfactory method of treatment for Nora’s lesion [109].
- Preoperative planning aided by a tissue diagnosis with fine needle aspiration cytology, wide surgical exposure, and meticulous dissection with help of magnification are imperative for a successful outcome in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath [34].
- In all cases of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, magnifying loupe or operating microscope was used during surgical excision [49].
- In cases of infiltrative giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, radiation therapy may provide local tumor control with preservation of hand function [12].
Recurrence and Adjuvant Therapy¶
- Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand are benign lesions where recurrence is the primary risk, typically occurring within 36 months of excision [3].
- In a study of 64 cases of giant cell tumor of tendon sheath, the recurrence rate was 4.7% (n=3) [49].
- In a systematic review of 605 patients with giant cell tumor of tendon sheath of the digits, 14.8% of patients had tumour recurrence [23].
- Repeated curettage with adjuvants eventually resulted in the cure for all patients and is therefore a reasonable treatment for both primary and recurrent giant cell tumor of the small bones of the hands and feet [105].
- Intralesional excision with cautery and methylmethacrylate provides a reliable method of treatment of giant cell tumors with good long-term functional results [71].
- Intralesional excision with local adjuvant therapy is recommended for the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone because it results in a good functional outcome compared to extralesional excision [98].
- Intralesional excision remains a viable, and likely the standard, mode of treatment for most giant cell tumors of the distal radius unless there is extensive bone loss [29].
- Based on data obtained from the number of studies available, intralesional excision appears to be more appropriate for the treatment of local lesions (eg, Grades 1 and 2) than Grade 3 giant cell tumors of the distal radius [52].
- Well-designed studies combining the recurrence rates of several hand surgery centers implementing a standardized treatment are needed to better demonstrate the associated risk factors for recurrence in giant cell tumor of tendon sheath [28].
Reconstruction and Resection Options¶
- Both curettage and resection/amputation are acceptable treatment options for the rare condition of giant cell tumour of bone in the hand, with a need to individualize treatment decisions based on the site and extent of disease to minimize treatment morbidity while maximizing disease control [6].
- Aggressive and malignant bone tumors of the second through fifth metacarpals generally require en bloc bone excision [17].
- Ray excision is usually best for lesions of the second and fifth metacarpals [17].
- If bone graft has been used for reconstruction, carpometacarpal arthrodesis and MCP ligament reconstruction or silicone arthroplasty may be practical [17].
- Whatever level is chosen for reconstruction, it is essential that an adequate, safe margin of normal tissue first be excised en bloc with the tumor [17].
- Aggressive tumors of the second through fifth metacarpals that have invaded soft tissue or sustained pathologic fractures often require excision of not only the involved ray but also the contiguous ray or rays radial and ulnar to the involved digit [17].
- If a malignant tumor has broken into the midpalm and extends across the metacarpals, removal of all digital rays may be needed to gain an adequate soft tissue margin [17].
- Retention of a sensate and relatively mobile thumb may be considerably more esthetic and functionally satisfactory than a forearm- or wrist-level amputation [17].
- If a tumor extends proximally from the metacarpal level, a more proximal level of hand, wrist, or forearm amputation is required for safe tumor management [17].
- Malignant soft tissue tumors in the palm or carpal tunnel often require at least partial hand amputation [17].
- If treated by only local or limited excision, the chance of recurrence is extremely high particularly in the setting of a positive margin for malignant soft tissue tumors in the palm or carpal tunnel [17].
- Below-elbow amputation is necessary to treat larger tumors of the palm or carpal tunnel [17].
- Wide en bloc excision of soft tissue sarcomas with negative margins is required to achieve local control of the lesion [17].
- At a minimum, aggressive soft tissue tumors, such as bone tumors, require ray resection or removal of multiple rays [17].
- Central palmar lesions more likely require sacrifice of three rays; those on the border are more likely than those in the center to be salvageable by removing just two rays [17].
- In the presence of proximal, broader, and larger lesions, all four digits or the entire hand may have to be sacrificed to save the patient [17].
- The use of a massive biocompatible bipolar unconstrained prosthesis is a viable treatment option for distal radius reconstruction after en-bloc resection of a giant cell tumour, offering rapid functional improvement without donor-site morbidity [68].
- Reconstruction after wide excision by nonvascularized fibular graft is a viable alternative for giant cell tumors of the lower end of radius though it is a challenging procedure and may be accompanied by major complications [111].
- En bloc resection is recommended for aggressive giant cell tumours (GCT) of the bone involving the distal end of the radius to minimize the risk of recurrence [91].
- The distal ulna may be widely resected with or without stabilization of the residual ulnar stump, yielding satisfactory local disease control and functional outcome [48].
- This is a simple and effective modality of reconstruction after resection of distal radial tumors using centralization of the ulna [30].
Complications¶
- Recurrence is the primary risk associated with giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand [3].
- The overall recurrence rate for giant cell tumour of tendon sheath of the digits is 14.8% [23].
- Type II tumours (two or more distinct tumours that were not joined together) are associated with a higher risk of recurrence compared to Type I tumours [23].
- Direct involvement of the extensor tendons, flexor tendons, or joint capsule places patients in a high-risk category for recurrence [43].
- Surgical treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis led to good functional results with an average Enneking score of 92% of normal limb function [32].
- A tendon tumour arising from the superficialis tendon can present as a trigger finger [18].
- A giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath can cause a trigger wrist phenomenon when the tumour enters and leaves the distal carpal tunnel [26].
- A fibroma of the tendon sheath in an unusual location can cause a triggering phenomenon and median nerve compression at the wrist [50].
- Total surgical excision ensuring removal of the attachment site (flexor sheath/palmar fascia) for fibroma of tendon sheath resulted in no local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years [11].
- Patients with giant cell tumor of bone in the hand who are at higher risk of recurrence should be clinically followed more closely [41].
- Both curettage and resection/amputation are acceptable treatment options for giant cell tumour of bone in the hand, with a need to individualize treatment decisions based on the site and extent of disease to minimize treatment morbidity while maximizing disease control [6].
- Below-elbow amputation is necessary to treat larger malignant soft tissue tumors in the palm or carpal tunnel [17].
- Patients who received preoperative radiotherapy for hand tumors had a decrease in functional outcomes and grip strength that averaged 66% compared with the contralateral hand [55].
- None of the patients who underwent single-ray amputation for tumors of the hand, including giant cell tumors of bone, had local recurrences [55].
- A 29-year-old patient with recurrent giant-cell tumor of the digit was treated by phalangeal excision and toe phalanx transplant [54].
Recovery¶
- Recurrence of giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand typically occurs within 36 months of excision [3].
- Total surgical excision ensuring removal of the attachment site (flexor sheath/palmar fascia) resulted in no local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years [11].
- In cases of infiltrative GCTTS, radiation therapy may provide local tumor control with preservation of hand function [12].
- At 2-year final follow-up examination, no recurrence was noted, finger range of motion was full, and the x-ray film contour of the phalanx had returned to normal [13].
- Surgical treatment led to good functional results with an average Enneking score of 92% of normal limb function [32].
- En bloc resection and matched nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer resulted in a functional tumor-free digit with a low complication rate and no recurrences [35].
Key Evidence¶
- [L5] The diagnosis and treatment of suspected hand neoplasms should proceed in an orderly fashion similar to accepted methods applied to tumors in other locations of the extremities. [1] (10.1016/s0363-5023(83)80277-9)
- [L4] Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheaths in the hand are benign lesions where recurrence is the primary risk, typically occurring within 36 months of excision. [3] (10.1016/j.otsr.2013.03.008)
- [L4] Giant cell tumors of the synovial sheaths in the hand are benign lesions in which recurrence is the primary risk. [4] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2013.08.051)
- [L4] Curettage, cryosurgery, and cementation performed by experienced surgeons appears to be a safe, effective, and reliable method for treating selected giant cell tumors of the hand. [5] (10.1053/jhsu.2001.22525)
- [L4] Both curettage and resection/amputation are acceptable treatment options for the rare condition of giant cell tumour of bone in the hand, with a need to individualize treatment decisions based on the site and extent of disease to minimize treatment morbidity while maximizing disease control. [6] (10.1177/17531934211007820)
- [L5] We believe this case report describes the first patient with three separate GCTTS developing from both flexor and extensor tendons in a single digit. [7] (10.1142/s2424835518720189)
- [L4] En bloc resection of the tumour and reconstruction with an autograft should be considered in the treatment of recurrent giant cell tumour of the hand. [8] (10.1016/s0266-7681(98)80197-6)
- [L5] The authors report the uniqueness of this case of multicentric giant cell tumor in the upper extremity. [9] (10.1016/j.main.2011.11.006)
- [L4] En bloc resection of the tumour and reconstruction with a fibular graft where necessary should be considered as the treatment of choice in giant cell tumour of the hand. [10] (10.1016/s0266-7681(96)80161-6)
- [L4] Total surgical excision ensuring removal of the attachment site (flexor sheath/palmar fascia) resulted in no local recurrences at a mean follow-up of 3.2 years. [11] (10.1177/1753193412469146)
- [L4] In cases of infiltrative GCTTS, radiation therapy may provide local tumor control with preservation of hand function. [12] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.01.011)
- [L5] At 2-year final follow-up examination, no recurrence was noted, finger range of motion was full, and the x-ray film contour of the phalanx had returned to normal. [13] (10.1016/s0363-5023(05)80151-0)
- [L5] En bloc resection of metacarpal giant cell tumors with reconstruction by iliac graft appears to be an effective treatment. [14] (10.1016/s1297-3203(03)00042-8)
- [L5] Complete surgical resection remains the treatment of choice for most patients with tenosynovial giant cell tumors, though diffuse disease presents challenges due to high recurrence rates. [15] (10.5435/jaaos-d-24-01255)
- [L5] [16] (10.1016/s0363-5023(84)80031-3)
- [L5] At operation a tumour arising from the superficials tendon was found and removed. [18] (10.1016/0266-7681(86)90283-4)
- [L5] The fundamental consideration in the management of hand tumours is to reconcile adequate tumour clearance with the maintenance of function and appearance. [20] (10.1016/0266-7681(91)90159-l)
- [L1] [23] (10.1007/s11552-011-9341-9)
- [L4] [24] (10.2106/00004623-196951010-00005)
- [L5] [26] (10.1016/s0266-7681(85)80038-3)
- [L3] Well-designed studies combining the recurrence rates of several hand surgery centers implementing a standardized treatment are needed to better demonstrate the associated risk factors for recurrence. [28] (10.1186/s12891-019-2866-8)
- [L3] Intralesional excision remains a viable, and likely the standard, mode of treatment for most giant cell tumors of the distal radius unless there is extensive bone loss. [29] (10.1007/s11999-014-4054-3)
- [L4] This is a simple and effective modality of reconstruction after resection of distal radial tumors. [30] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.05.011)
- [L4] Surgical treatment led to good functional results with an average Enneking score of 92% of normal limb function. [32] (10.1097/01.blo.0000224051.01873.fb)
- [L4] [33] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2012.11.001)
- [L4] [34] (10.1007/s12593-010-0020-9)
- [L4] En bloc resection and matched nonvascularized toe phalangeal transfer resulted in a functional tumor-free digit with a low complication rate and no recurrences. [35] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2024.06.013)
- [L4] Our observations suggest there are subsets of patients with giant cell tumor of bone who are at higher risk of recurrence and should be clinically followed more closely. [41] (10.1007/s11999-011-2172-8)
- [L3] Direct involvement of the extensor tendons, flexor tendons, or joint capsule puts patients in a high-risk category with respect to recurrence. [43] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.12.004)
- [Case_report] [47] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2014.11.010)
- [L3] The distal ulna may be widely resected with or without stabilization of the residual ulnar stump, yielding satisfactory local disease control and functional outcome. [48] (10.1177/1558944717743598)
- [L4] [49] (10.11138/gchir/2013.34.5.149)
- [L5] The unusual location of the fibroma of the tendon sheath (FGT) and the atypical nature of the triggering phenomenon led to the reporting of this observation as a rare cause of median nerve compression at the wrist. [50] (10.1016/j.main.2006.03.001)
- [L3] Based on data obtained from the number of studies available, intralesional excision appears to be more appropriate for the treatment of local lesions (eg, Grades 1 and 2) than Grade 3 GCTs of the distal radius. [52] (10.1007/s11999-012-2464-7)
- [L5] [54] (10.1016/s0363-5023(79)80134-3)
- [Paper] Fibro-osseous pseudotumor of the digit should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rapidly enlarging digital lesions. [64] (10.1177/15589447261481209)
- [Case_report] The use of a massive biocompatible bipolar unconstrained prosthesis is a viable treatment option for distal radius reconstruction after en-bloc resection of a giant cell tumour, offering rapid functional improvement without donor-site morbidity. [68] (10.1016/j.otsr.2013.04.001)
- [L4] Intralesional excision with cautery and methylmethacrylate provides a reliable method of treatment of giant cell tumors with good long-term functional results. [71] (10.1097/01.blo.0000128280.59965.e3)
- [L3] [90] (10.1054/jhsb.2000.0522)
- [L4] [91] (10.1177/17531934211068622)
- [L3] Intralesional excision with local adjuvant therapy is recommended for the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone because it results in a good functional outcome compared to extralesional excision. [98] (10.1007/s004020100317)
- [L4] [102] (10.1177/17531934231222401)
- [L3] Repeated curettage with adjuvants eventually resulted in the cure for all patients and is therefore a reasonable treatment for both primary and recurrent GCT of the small bones of the hands and feet. [105] (10.1302/0301-620x.95b6.30876)
- [L5] Local excision of the tumour appears to be a satisfactory method of treatment. [109] (10.1016/s0266-7681(97)80269-0)
- [L4] Reconstruction after wide excision by nonvascularized fibular graft is a viable alternative for giant cell tumors of the lower end of radius though it is a challenging procedure and may be accompanied by major complications. [111] (10.1007/s00402-010-1059-6)
- [L4] Although MRI findings and location might help in the diagnosis of a T-GCT, careful assessment is mandatory, especially in unusual locations. [129] (10.1186/s12891-016-1050-7)
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