Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath With a t(1;1)(p13;p34) Chromosomal Translocation

Giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is a benign soft-tissue tumor that occurs predominantly in the fingers, with the capacity for local recurrence. The cytogenetic hallmark of GCTTS is the presence of 1p13 rearrangement. Several chromosomal segments have been recognized as translocation partners to 1p13. Herein, we describe a novel cytogenetic finding of GCTTS arising in the right thumb of a 71-year-old man.

Physical examination revealed a 4-cm, elastic hard, immobile, nontender mass. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a nodular mass with reduced signal intensity on both T1- and T2-weighted images. Contrast-enhanced fat-suppressed T1-weighted images showed intense heterogeneous enhancement of the mass. After a needle biopsy, complete excision was performed. Histologically, the tumor was composed of mononuclear cells admixed with multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells, hemosiderin-laden macrophages, foamy cells, and inflammatory cells. Cytogenetic analysis revealed a reciprocal t(1;1)(p13;p34) translocation as the sole structural aberration.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of this tumor with t(1;1)(p13;p34).