TGCT is a type of rare, non-malignant tumor occurring in the joints that is sometimes also called pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS). It often leads to pain, stiffness, swelling and limited movement in the affected joint and can sometimes cause permanent damage.1
Non-malignant means the tumor is not cancerous. It is a type of tumor that usually grows slowly and doesn’t typically spread to other parts of the body, unlike cancer.2
TGCT can be a challenging condition to live with. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness can have a real impact on day-to-day life, including social life and occupation. Managing this disease can be difficult.3
DID YOU KNOW?
TGCT can be called by other names, such as pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) or giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS).1
PATIENTS DIAGNOSED PER YEAR IN EUROPE
TGCT is a rare disease. Out of approximately 744 million people in Europe, around 37,000 people will be diagnosed with TGCT4,5
YEARS OLD
The average age for diagnosis of TGCT is 35–50 years old, but it can affect all ages1,3,4,6
WHAT TYPES OF TGCT ARE THERE?
There are two types of TGCT: diffuse-type (D-TGCT) and nodular (or localized) TGCT (N-TGCT).1
Diffuse TGCT is less common. Tumors are often found in large joints, like hips or ankles4,6
Nodular TGCT is more common. Tumors are often found in smaller joints like, fingers or wrists4,6
The most common location for a tumor across both types is the knee, however TGCT can occur in other joints too.3,4
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Less common6
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Tumors can extend beyond the joint6
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Most tumors occur in the knee but also in larger joints, like hips and ankles6
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Can cause damage to nearby bones, cartilage and tendons in some cases6
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More common6
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Usually well-defined, solid tumors6
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Most tumors occur in the knee but also in smaller joints, like hands and wrists6
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Doesn’t usually cause significant pain or joint dysfunction6
WHAT CAUSES TGCT?
TGCT develops when some of the cells in our joints change due to a specific genetic mutation. The mutation causes these cells to produce too much of a protein called colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF1).7
The overproduction of CSF1 causes a build-up of inflammatory cells within the affected joint. This can cause swelling and eventually lead to tumor formation.7
Click here to learn more about the symptoms of TGCT 
CSF1, colony stimulating factor 1; D-TGCT, diffuse-type TGCT; GCTTS, giant cell tumor of tendon sheath; N-TGCT, nodular-type TGCT; PVNS, pigmented villonodular synovitis; TGCT, tenosynovial giant cell tumor.
References:
- Stacchiotti S, et al. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023;112:102491.
- National Cancer Institute. Definition of non-malignant. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/nonmalignant Accessed: January 2026.
- Stern S, et al. Future Oncol. 2025:1–10.
- Mastboom MJL, et al. Acta Orthop. 2017;88(6):688–94.
- Worldometer. Europe Population (Live). Available at: https://www.worldometers.info/world-population/europe-population/ Accessed: January 2026.
- Choi WS, et al. Cancers (Basel). 2024;16(2):402.
- Tap WD, Healey JH. Tumour Biol. 2022;44(1):239–248.
DCPH-P02568 | January 2026