Fine-Needle aspiration cytology of benign giant cell tumor of tendon sheath

Abstract

Benign giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) also known as nodular tenosynovitis is a common soft tissue neoplasm of the extremities. Although the histopathology of this neoplasm is well described, cytologic reports are sparse. In this paper we describe the cytologic findings in three cases of GCTTS. Aspiration smears were moderately cellular. In two cases they contained several multinucleate osteoclast type giant cells dispersed haphazardly with a background of mononuclear cells. The mononuclear cells were polygonal with eccentrically located nucleus. The cytologic diagnosis was later confirmed by histopathology. We feel that GCTTS has characteristic cytologic findings that lead to its easy recognition.