Dr. Abraham on Potential Symptoms of TGCT

John A. Abraham, MD, FACS, founder, Orthopaedic Oncology Service, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, and attending surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgery, Fox Chase Cancer Center, discusses potential symptoms of tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT).

TGCT can occur within or outside any joint. Therefore, the symptoms of TGCT are based on where the disease occurs, says Abraham.

The synovium of the affected joint will become thick and friable, causing it to break apart, says Abraham. Moreover, as the synovium breaks down, significant bleeding into the affected area can lead to swelling, irritation, and pain.

Joint swelling can result in loss of range of motion and stiffness, explains Abraham. While these symptoms are typically intermittent, they can come on suddenly and without incidental damage to the joint.

Additionally, chronic symptoms such as the disease eroding into the bone are often experienced by patients with TGCT and can cause long-term pain , concludes Abraham.