Giant Cell Tumour of Tendon Sheath in a Child: A Case Report

Abstract

Giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath is uncommon in children. We describe this tumour arising from the right ring finger in an eight-year-old girl. Plane radiographs showed a soft tissue mass with erosion of the distal phalanx. The tumour was treated by surgical excision with good outcome.

A Rare Giant Cell Tumor of the Tendon Sheath of the Dorsal Hand in a Child

“…Its radiological appearance is usually subtle, consisting only of soft tissue shadowing. Bony pressure erosions are reported to be more likely in recurrent cases [1]. GCTTS has many other names, including pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis, fibrous xanthoma, xanthogranuloma, and localized nodular synovitis, because its exact pathologic nature is unknown.…”

“…Trauma, inflammation, metabolic disease, and neoplastic etiology are considered etiological factors [3]. It is the second most common tumor of the hand, but it is very uncommon in children under 10 years of age [1,3]. …”

“…As there is a high tendency for local recurrence, complete excision and prolonged follow-up is recommended when treating patients with GCTTS [1]. …”

A painful finger mass in an 8-year-old child

“…These tumors are rare in children under age 10 years, are more common in patients age 20 to 50 years, and peak in patients ages 40 to 50 years. [4][5][6][7][8] Women are affected more often than men. [4][5][6][7][8] Although this patient had a history of injury to the digit, he did not have a pseudoaneurysm.…”

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Women are affected more often than men. [4][5][6][7][8] Although this patient had a history of injury to the digit, he did not have a pseudoaneurysm. This "false aneurysm" may be associated with iatrogenic arterial trauma; however, the patient's digital artery was patent when the lesion was surgically excised.…”