Giant cell tumour of tendon sheath: experience with 52 cases.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this retrospective study was to study the clinical presentation, investigations, histopathological findings, and the best ways of treatment of the giant cell tumour of the tendon sheath (GCTTS).

METHODS: The medical records of all patients diagnosed to have GCTTS during the period 1994-2001 were reviewed, and follow-up was for three to ten years.

RESULTS: The total number of patients was 52, of whom 36 were females, and the mean age was 32.4 years. All the tumours except one were located in the hand and wrist area, with the thumb being the most affected finger. Painless swelling was the most common presentation. All of them were treated surgically and the recurrence rate was 24 percent.

CONCLUSION: After reviewing the literature and comparing with our results, we conclude that GCTTS is a true benign tumour with local aggressive behaviour in some cases, and the best way of treatment is wide local excision.