Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Tendon Sheath is a benign, or non-cancerous, tumor that can emerge from the tendon sheath or synovium. It most commonly affects the fingers and hand and can be treated with surgical resection or removal of the mass.
Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Tendon Sheath is a benign, or non-cancerous, tumor that can emerge from the tendon sheath or synovium. It most commonly affects the fingers and hand. It is the second most common benign, soft-tissue tumor of the hand. It is usually slow-growing and painless, and can be removed with surgery.
Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of Tendon Sheath is a benign, or non-cancerous, tumor that can emerge from the tendon sheath or synovium. If left untreated, there is a risk that the mass will continue to grow and potentially erode an adjacent bone. This continuous growth will weaken the bone and perhaps cause it to break, which is called a pathological fracture. Without treatment, there is a rare risk that GCT of tendon sheath can become malignant (cancerous).
Radiographic imaging is used to help form a diagnosis of GCT of Tendon Sheath. These include X-Ray, MRI, CT and Bone Scans.
An example of an MRI is shown.
The primary treatment for giant cell tumors (GCT) of tendon sheath is complete excision of the tumor. Additionally, if the mass returns, that too can be surgically removed. GCT of tendon sheath is a benign soft-tissue mass, therefore systemic treatment, such as chemotherapy, is not needed.
Surgical treatment includes wide or radical resections to remove the complete tumor and additional margins. The removal of additional, surrounding margins ensures that the tumor is completely removed and decreases the chances of the tumor coming back.
I've seen many doctors and I can confidently attest Dr. Wittig is the preeminent orthopaedic specialist. He is genuinely kind and caring, as he demonstrated by completely addressing my concerns and compassionately relating to what I was dealing with. He clearly outlined the plan of attack, and recommended the two additional doctors who would become part of my 'team'. Dr. Wittig was so effective in allaying our fears and bringing us optimism. My surgery was significant, but I was up and walking the next day and back at the gym 5 weeks later. This is further testament to Dr. Wittig's skill. He saved my leg and my life, and I feel so very blessed to say he is my doctor. I have already recommended him to others, and I will continue to do so. I would trust him with my closest family and lifelong friends. BEST DOCTOR EVER.
S.G.
Myself and my amazing team are dedicated to saving your life and your limb. Losing a limb because of a tumor can be a terrifying experience. But, it does not have to be the only option. I’ve spent 20+ years as a Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon and Orthopedic Oncologist.
I’ve devoted my career to helping children and adults afflicted with bone and soft tissue masses by performing complex limb saving surgeries. Most patients can have their limb saved, which may require innovative techniques.
Patients afflicted with musculoskeletal tumors have complex conditions that are best taken care of at large hospitals. I am the Chairman of Orthopedics and Chief of Orthopedic Oncology at Morristown Medical Center. My philosophy is a multidisciplinary team approach, working together to tailor treatment to individual patients. Education and research are essential to my practice, providing the best setting for extraordinary patient care. Because of this, we have some of the top results in the country.
