




































BANGLADESH JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 5(1) (2022), 31-34 

31 

 

     MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 

 
        BJMSR VOL 5 NO 1 (2022)  P-ISSN 2687-850X  E-ISSN 2687-8518 

 
        Available online at https://www.cribfb.com 

    Journal homepage: https://www.cribfb.com/journal/index.php/BJMSR 

                                                                                                                                                                                                  Published by CRIBFB, USA 

                                                                                                                                            

GIANT CELL TUMOR OF TENDON SHEATH AT THE HAND: A CASE 

REPORT             
              

 Mohamed Gwila (a)   Ali Jaralla (b)   Moniruddin Chowdhury (c)    Syeda Humayra (d)1     
 

(a) Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Zliten Teaching Hospital, Zliten, Libya,  and Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics & 

Traumatology, Al Asmarya Islamic University, Zliten, Libya; E-mail: ghwila001@gmail.com 
(b) Specialist Orthopedic Surgeon, Zliten Teaching Hospital, Zliten, Libya, and Lecturer, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics & 

Traumatology, Al Asmarya Islamic University, Zliten, Libya; E-mail: ali89drmoh@gmail.com  
(c) Associate Professor, Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, AIMST University, Kedah, Malaysia, and Visiting Professor, Department of Public Health, Faculty 
of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; E-mail: moniruc@gmail.com 

(d) Adjunct Lecturer, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka, Bangladesh; E-mail: 

syedahumayra@gmail.com 

 

 
A R T I C L E I N F O 

 
 

Article History: 
 

Received: 27th June 2022  

Accepted: 15th August 2022 

Online Publication: 27th August 2022 

 
Keywords: 
 

Giant Cell Tumor, Hand Surgery  

Painless, First Web Space  

Tendon Sheath 

 
JEL Classification Codes: 

 

H75 

  

 
A B S T R A C T 

 
The study investigates the Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath (GCTTS), which is the second most 

prevalent soft tissue tumor after ganglion cysts. It is a benign nodular tumor found on the tendon sheath 

of the hands and feet. An atypical case of GCTTS with an abnormal location away from the tendon sheath 

has been reported. A 23-year-old Libyan man visited the Zliten Teaching Hospital with a history of first 

web space left-hand swelling since 6 months, increased in size, not tender on examination, hard mobile 

swelling not attached to underlying tissue, with the full range of motion in adjacent joints, and 

neurological deficit in the ulnar side of the thumb. The diagnosis was made clinically with a firm, nodular 

mass that does not transilluminate and had decreased signal intensity on both T1-and-T2-weighted MR 

imaging. Radiographic and histopathological examinations confirmed the benign nodular mass and the 

treatment modality. Marginal excision was performed and the tumor was completely removed to prevent 

a recurrence. 

 
 

© 2022 by the authors. Licensee CRIBFB, USA. This article is an open access article distributed 
under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license 
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).  

            

 

INTRODUCTION 

Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath (GCTTS), also known as “giant cell tumor” or “pigmented villonodular tenosynovitis”, 

is the 2nd most prevalent soft tissue tumor after ganglion cysts (Lv & Liu, 2020). It is a benign nodular tumor that is 

predominantly found on tendon sheath of the ankle-foot and hands (Zheng et al., 2019). GCTTS is a tumor which has no 

specific origin, and shows variability in the ability of their growth. Although naturewise benign, but regionally aggressive, 

this tumor has the ability of local recurrence with metastasis to the lungs (Murphey et al., 2001). Furthermore, it has been 

hypothesized that this tenosynovial GCT is reactive or regenerative hyperplasia linked with the process of inflammation 

(Jaffe, 1941).  

There are two main types of GCT, namely: intra-articular and extra-articular. However, it can be categorized into 

‘localized’ and ‘diffuse’ forms based on their biological and clinical manifestations (Lv & Liu, 2020). The hands and fingers 

are involved in the localized form which is benign in nature, while the large joints of human body occurs aggressively in 

the diffuse form (Al Farii et al., 2019). GCTTS typically occurs near the distal interphalangeal joint of the index or long 

finger of the hand (Hwang et al., 2016). An atypical case of painless GCTTS with abnormal location away from the tendon 

sheath has been reported. 

 

CASE PRESENTATION 
A 23-year-old Libyan medical student with no past illnesses or medical history visited the Zliten Teaching Hospital with a 

history of first web space left hand swelling since past 6-months which increased in size but was not tender on examination. 

A hard mobile swelling was observed which was not attached to the underlying tissue. No prominent redness or hotness 

                                                      
1Corresponding author: ORCID ID: 0000-0003-3346-1535 

© 2022 by the authors. Hosting by CRIBFB. Peer review under responsibility of CRIBFB, USA.  

https://doi.org/10.46281/bjmsr.v5i1.1788 
 

To cite this article: Gwila, M., Jaralla, A., Chowdhury, M., & Humayra, S. (2022). GIANT CELL TUMOR OF TENDON SHEATH AT THE HAND: A 

CASE REPORT. Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research, 5(1), 31-34. https://doi.org/10.46281/bjmsr.v5i1.1788 

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
https://doi.org/10.46281/bjmsr.v5i1.1788
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3346-1535
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7632-101X
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6886-0427
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1427-4013


Gwila et al., Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research 5(1) (2022), 31-34 

 

32 

around the area was noted on physical examination. Full range of motion in the adjacent joints was present. Neurological 

deficit in the ulnar side of thumb (sensory type) was well noted.  

The patient did not have any other swelling on the same hand. He did not present any manifestating symptoms, for 

example: fever, night sweats, or loss of weight; nor had any other notable complaints. Furthermore, he did not have any 

history of smoking and alcohol consumption, nor have had any family member with a similar history of related diseases. 

Patient’s  blood reports were all normal while the anti-CCP, HIV, HbsAg, and the status of Rh factor was found to be non-

reactive. A plain radiograph was also recommended for investigation (Figure 1), and a soft-tissue mass shadow with no 

bone erosion was revealed. 

 

Figure 1. X-ray of the left hand (AP and oblique view) showed soft-tissue shadow of mass 

 

The size and extent of the mass was revealed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Diagnosis was made clinically 

with a firm, nodular mass that does not transilluminate, and had decreased signal intensity on both T1-and-T2-weighted 

MRI. Surgical removal was carried out after excision biopsy (Figure 2), and a nodular mass measuring 1×0.5×1cm size was 

removed.   

 
 

Figure 2. Nodular mass (1×0.5×1cm) excised and sent for biopsy 

                                        

The mass was sent for microscopic examination (Figure 3a and 3b). Histopathological examination revealed 

circumscribed lobulated lobules, with numerous osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells as well as several macrophages 

in collagenized stroma. No clear evidence of mitotic activity, and/or cell necrosis was visible on histopathological 

examination. The surgical margin was found to be partially tumor positive but without malignancy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 
 

 

 
 

 

Figure 3a and 3b. Microscopic examination of the tumour showed circumscribed lobulated lobules with multiple multinucleated giant cells 



Gwila et al., Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research 5(1) (2022), 31-34 

 

33 

It was necessary to perform the radiographic and histopathological examination to determine the plan of treatment. 

While MRI confirmed the clinical diagnosis of GCTTS and assisted in the surgical planning. Hence, all these investigations 

are important diagnostic markers for effective treatment and assists in ruling out the differential diagnoses of of ganglion 

cyst, neuroma and lipoma. Treatment involved marginal excision of the mass from the patient’s hand. Surgical excision was 

performed by two orthopaedic surgeons at the Zliten Hospital, and the tumor was removed successfully. No surgical 

intervention or aspiration was done. 

After 2-weeks of post-operative care, the sutures were removed and the patient was re-examined. He felt better and 

lighter, the swelling subsided, and no local tenderness was present on examination. There were no signs of infection post 

surgery, and the wound was nicely healed (Figure 4). 

 

Figure 4.  Hand photo after 2-weeks of postoperative period showed good recovery 

Pharmacotherapy included NSAIDs (Voltaren) and a topical analgesic gel (Ibuprofen) was prescribed to reduce 

the pain and inflammation. After 6-months’ follow up, a complete recovery with no significant inflammation or movement 

restriction was noted in the patient. Furthermore, radiologically or clinically, no visible evidence of tumor recurrence was 

observed after the surgery, while the ulnar nerve function was also restored. 

DISCUSSION 
GCTTS is a benign soft-tissue tumor originated in the synovium of the flexor sheath, and is commonly found in the hands. 

These lesions become suddenly symptomatic or noticeable as they go through typical stages of dormancy and high activity. 

Although these tumors most frequently occurs in the fingers, they can also appear in the elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and 

hands. The exact etiology of GCTTS is yet not known (Al Kadi et al., 2012). This tumor occurs more commonly in adults 

between 30–50 years of age, and it predominantly affects women (Gouin & Noailles, 2017). 

As recurrent tumor development and damage of the joints are both major risks associated to GCTTS, it  leads to 

surgical resection (Stiehl & Hackbarth, 1991). The chances of tumor recurrence after surgery is 15%-45% according to 

(Choughri et al., 2005). It was reported by Williams et al. (2010) that the overall rate of recurrence for GCTTS ranged 

between 7 to 44% (Williams et al., 2010). Some of the major risk factors that leads to unfavorable surgical outcomes and 

higher rates of recurrence includes: destruction of cortex, tumor located at the interphalangeal joint of the thumb and distal 

interphalangeal joints, degenerative joint disease (DJD), tumors with increased mitotic activity, type 2 tumors, neurovascular 

dissection during removal, and partial or incomplete tumor excision (Ozben & Coskun, 2019). Currently, the most effective 

strategy to alleviate tumor recurrence rate is achieved through radical surgical management (Lv & Liu, 2020).  

CONCLUSION 

This article presents a rare, painless case of GCTTS located at the hand within the first web space, away from the tendon 

sheath. Although, marginal excision was the preferred treatment of choice for this case, it often gets difficult to perform 

surgery due to the tumor’s location and strict adherence to the underlyind tendons and/or neurovascular bundles (Di Grazia 

et al., 2013). Moreover, the tumor was fully removed to mitigate the chances of recurrence. In addition, histopathological 

and radiographic examinations were carried out on the nodular mass to determine, as well as validate its benign nature, and 

the treatment modality. Finally, the authors would like to advice the medical practioners to raise their suspicion on GCTTS 

for any hand swelling cases and analyze it strategically to reach a confirmed clinical diagnosis.  

 
 

 

 

 



Gwila et al., Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research 5(1) (2022), 31-34 

 

34 

Author  Contributions: Conceptualization, M.G.  and  A.J.; Data  Curation, M.G. and A.J.; Methodology, M.G. and S.H.; Validation, M.G. and A.J.; 

Visualization & Investigation, M.G. and A.J.; Resources, M.G., A.J. and M.C.;Writing - Original Draft, M.G.; A.J. and S.H.; Writing - Review & Editing, 

M.G.; M.C. and S.H.; Supervision, M.G. and M.C.; Project Administration, A.J. and S.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the 

manuscript. 
Institutional Review Board Statement: This case report was conducted in compliance with the ethical standards. Prior permission was obtained from the 

hospital authorities.  

Funding: The authors received no funding for this study 

Informed Consent Statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient and all identifying information was omitted. 

Data Availability Statement: The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author 

Conflicts of Interest: None to declare 

 

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© 2022 by the authors. Licensee CRIBFB, USA. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons 

Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). 

Bangladesh Journal of Multidisciplinary Scientific Research (P-ISSN 2687-850X   E-ISSN 2687-8518) by CRIBFB is licensed under a Creative 

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2019.05.007
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-004-0214-6
https://doi.org/10.11138/gchir/2013.34.5.149
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https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-2866-8
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0883-5403(08)80061-7
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2009.12.004
https://doi.org/10.3389/fped.2019.00480
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