|
| Fig. 43.8 Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath. (Courtesy of the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center teaching files.) |
Giant cell tumors of the tendon sheath are benign tumors that arise from the fibrous sheath that surrounds the tendons. They typically occur between the ages of 30 and 50 years. They usually develop on the hand, although they may occur on the feet, ankles, and knees. Although they arise from a structure that is deep to the skin, they not infrequently present initially to the dermatologist. The primary lesion is a subcutaneous nodule that appears to be attached to deeper structures (Fig. 43-8). The overlying skin is usually movable but may be fixed in some cases. X-ray examination, besides revealing a soft tissue tumor, may demonstrate cortical erosion in approximately 10% of cases. The treatment of choice is surgical excision.
Collen J, Mount G, Pollock P, et al: Giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath,
J Clin Rheumatol 15:85–87, 2009.
