MENU NEWSLETTERS SEARCH Health Topics Wellness Food & Eating News & Alerts Coronavirus / COVID-19 RARE DISEASES How Much Do You Know About Your Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor (TGCT) Diagnosis? Test your knowledge of TGCT by taking this quiz. Start Assessment By Erica Patino Medically Reviewed by Alexa Meara, MD Reviewed: April 8, 2021 Tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT) is a noncancerous tumor usually found around a joint and the tendon sheaths surrounding it. There are two types of TGCT: localized and diffuse, and treatment depends on what type you have. “Localized TGCT is usually around the joint space on smaller joints like the fingers and toes,” says Arun Singh, MD, an assistant professor of hematology/oncology at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA in Los Angeles. “Diffuse TGCT is usually around larger joints, like the knee or hip. It’s more like a blob, as opposed to a tumor that’s circular." TGCT can cause joint stiffness and pain and impact mobility, and it will need to be treated, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD). Localized TGCT can often be treated successfully with surgery alone. Diffuse tumors are more widespread and difficult to treat, so they may require additional interventions, such as medication, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. TGCT is not common, but it can have serious, life-changing consequences for people who have it, especially those with the diffuse form. A study published in August 2017 in the journal Acta Orthopaedica estimated worldwide diagnosis rates in a given year at approximately 10 in one million for localized and four in a million for diffuse TGCT. If you’ve been diagnosed with TGCT or your doctor suspects you may have this condition, you probably want to learn as much as you can. Take this quiz to find out where your knowledge gaps are so you can focus your research and learn what to ask your doctor. Question 1 What type of TGCT do you have? A. Diffuse B. Localized C. I don’t know MOST RECENT IN RARE DISEASES 9 Exercise Tips for Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor From a Physical Therapist How Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor Is Treated What Is the Difference Between Localized and Diffuse Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor? 7 Things to Know About Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumors NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Healthy Living Newsletter! Enter your email Subscribe By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wellness inspired. Wellness enabled. Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoice NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness Enter your email Subscribe By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top DoctorsMigraine AgainDailyOM © 1996-2021 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges Badges Badges When you proceed to access our site, the companies listed in the Cookie Consent Tool will use cookies and other technologies. This is further explained in our Cookie Notice. AdChoices Agree and Access Site