Understanding Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Explore detailed insights into tenosynovial giant cell tumor, including its symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment strategies. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent joint damage and improve outcomes.

Understanding Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a rare joint condition that typically isn’t malignant but can cause significant joint damage. It affects the synovium, bursae, and tendon sheaths, leading to symptoms such as:

Swelling or lump around the joint

Stiffness and pain

Warm sensation over the joint

Grinding, locking, or popping sounds during movement

To confirm diagnosis, doctors may order imaging scans like X-rays, MRI, joint tissue biopsies, or synovial fluid analysis.

Once diagnosed, treatment often involves surgical removal of the tumor and affected tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy is applied post-surgery to eliminate residual tumor cells. For recurrent diffuse TGCT, medications targeting CSF1R can be used, though still experimental. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent joint damage and disability, as in rare cases, tumors may spread or cause severe complications.

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