This website is intended for healthcare professionals in Europe only.

Woman trapped in a bone

What
is TGCT?

TGCT, also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS)1, is a rare, non-malignant but locally aggressive tumor that can affect small and large joints.2 It is predominantly non–life-threatening but can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life.1,3

5 and 45
Per Million
Patient-Years
Incidence of TGCT diffuse-type (D-TGCT) and nodular-type (N-TGCT), respectively, in a European study4
35–50
Years
Typical age at diagnosis of TGCT1,2
PVNS/GCTTS
TGCT has previously been referred to as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS)1

The symptoms of TGCT are generally nonspecific.2,5 Commonly reported symptoms include:

Pain Pain5
Swelling Swelling5
Limited Range of Motion Limited Range
of Motion5
Stiffness Stiffness5

TGCT tumor subtypes

TGCT comprises two clinically distinct subgroups, diffuse-type (D-TGCT) and nodular-type* (N-TGCT).1

TGCT affects the synovium, which lines joints, bursae and tendon sheaths. Tumors in both types of TGCT can be intra-articular or extra-articular; the most common tumor location for both subtypes is the knee.2,4,6

CLICK THE D-TGCT BOX TO FIND OUT MORE

Although both subtypes of TGCT share a common pathophysiology, the clinical presentation can vary considerably.2

*N-TGCT is sometimes referred to as localized TGCT (L-TGCT), however nodular is the preferred term to use as per the International Clinical Consensus.1
D-TGCT, diffuse-type TGCT; GCTTS, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath; L-TGCT, localized-type TGCT; N-TGCT, nodular-type TGCT; PVNS, pigmented villonodular synovitis; TGCT, tenosynovial giant cell tumor.

References:

  1. Stacchiotti S, et al. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023:112:102491.
  2. Bernthal NM, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):191.
  3. Lopez-Bastida J, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):294.
  4. Mastboom MJL, et al. Acta Orthop. 2017;88(6):688-94.
  5. Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor. National Organisation for Rare Diseases. Available at: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/tenosynovial-giant-cell-tumor/. Accessed: August 2026.
  6. Choi WS, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(2):402.
  7. Robert M, et al. Front Immunol. 2022:13:820046.

DCPH-P02492 | August 2026

This website aims to provide scientific and educational information about TGCT and is intended for healthcare professionals in Europe only. The content is non⁠-⁠promotional.

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