Benign Spindle Cell Tumor of Flexor Tendon Sheath of Toe: A Rare Case Report

Spindle cell tumors are tumors consisting of spindle cells that are long and slender cells when viewed under a microscope. Their incidence is low and usually benign in nature, although it may turn malignant rarely. Histopathological diagnosis is gold-standard for diagnosis although Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may help in narrowing down the diagnosis pre-operatively. Complete tumor excision is the mainstay for managing these tumors.

A 15-year-old male presented to our outpatient department with complaints of pain and swelling over the plantar aspect of his right foot for 4 months. Overlying skin showed no signs of adherence or local inflammation. An ultrasound-guided FNAC gave a provisional diagnosis of a benign spindle cell tumor. MRI showed a tumor arising from the 3rd flexor digitorum longus tendon sheath. A tumor excision was done and a biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. There have been no signs of recurrence since the past 12 months.

A benign spindle cell tumor arising from the flexor tendon sheath in the foot is a rare soft tissue tumor. However, it should be kept as a differential diagnosis in a benign soft tissue swelling in a young male requiring timely excision. Regular follow-up is needed to rule out recurrence.