Localized Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: An Incidentally Found Lesion in the Shoulder

Abstract

The concept of localized and diffuse tenosynovial giant cell tumors (TSGCT) is recent and may still cause some confusion among surgeons. This disorder constitutes a family of proliferative lesions characterized by their origin in the articular synovium, tendon sheaths, or bursa. It is not always easy to diagnose this pathology, especially due to its multitude of presentation. We describe an incidentally found localized TSGCT intra-articularly located in the shoulder. The localized lesions are considered a more benign form that usually present not with specific symptoms but rather a manifestation of the disturbance in the affected joint or the surrounding soft tissues. MRI is indispensable for its diagnosis, and the standard treatment is complete surgical resection. Due to its low incidence, it is difficult to find literature that goes beyond clinical reports or small case series. With this report, we intend to call readers’ attention for the variable presentations, the different diagnostic and treatment strategies, and the expected outcomes.

Keywords

• tenosynovial giant cell tumors
• localized tenosynovial giant cell tumors
• pigmented villonodular synovitis
• shoulder