THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERT CENTERS
The earlier TGCT is diagnosed, the better. Since TGCT is rare, your doctor may not have encountered it before and therefore may not be familiar with the diagnosis or treatment of this condition. It is important that your care is managed by a team experienced in diagnosing and treating TGCT, to avoid a delay in receiving the care you need.1,2
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation. Your doctor may recommend a treatment plan based on your specific diagnosis, medical history and goals. They may also refer you to an expert center, which are centers specialized in treating sarcomas.2
Always consult your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your situation.
Find your local specialist team 
TGCT is diagnosed in three key STEPS
STEP 1: CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
The first step towards a diagnosis of TGCT (also known as pigmented villonodular synovitis [PVNS]) is a physical examination, a discussion about your symptoms and a review of your medical history.3
A challenge with diagnosing TGCT is that the symptoms are considered ‘non-specific’. Non-specific means that the symptoms can point to a range of different conditions, therefore meaning TGCT can be wrongly diagnosed as other conditions, including:3,4
RHEUMATOID
ARTHRITIS
SPORTS INJURY
JOINT BLEED
GOUT
STEP 2: IMAGING
MRI IS THE MAIN TECHNIQUE USED TO DIAGNOSE TGCT2,5
Clinical assessment alone is not sufficient to establish a clear diagnosis and may require confirmation through imaging techniques and/or a biopsy.2,4
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan used to take detailed pictures of inside the body. In cases of suspected TGCT, your doctor will usually recommend a contrast MRI. This involves using a special dye that helps create clearer images of your joints.2,5,6
An MRI scan is a useful tool which can provide information about the location of the tumor and what type of TGCT it is.2,5
Find out more about MRI Imaging for TGCT How is MRI used to diagnose TGCT?
- Hemosiderin is an iron-rich substance in the body. It can build up in areas of the body where there is bleeding or inflammation5,8
- When TGCT is present, there is often bleeding and inflammation around the tumor, leading to a buildup of hemosiderin5
- Hemosiderin can be seen on an MRI scan5
- Doctors can therefore use the MRI to detect hemosiderin, which can help to diagnose TGCT5
STEP 3: BIOPSY
To confirm the diagnosis, a sample of tissue is usually needed – this is known as a biopsy. A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue from the body so it can be examined in a lab by experts.2,4,7
When is a biopsy performed? If surgery is already planned, a sample of tissue can be taken at the same time to send for testing in the lab. Otherwise, the biopsy will occur in a separate procedure.2,4
Real experiences,
real support.
Meet Ramon, who is living with TGCT. Watch this video to learn more about his story. You can also visit our Patients Stories page to hear from others affected by TGCT.
My TGCT diagnosis journey
Click here to explore TGCT care following diagnosis MRI, magnetic resonance imaging; TGCT, tenosynovial giant cell tumor.
References:
- Apollo Hospitals. Tenosynovial Giant Cell Tumor: A Comprehensive Guide. Available at: https://www.apollohospitals.com/diseases-and-conditions/tenosynovial-giant-cell-tumor Accessed: January 2026.
- Stacchiotti S, et al. Cancer Treat Rev. 2023;112:102491.
- Stern S, et al. Future Oncol. 2025:1–10.
- Berthnal NM, et al. Orphanet J Rare Dis. 2021;16(1):191.
- Spierenburg G, et al. Insights Imaging. 2023;14(1):22.
- National Cancer Institute. Definition of MRI. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/mri Accessed: January 2026.
- NHS. Biopsy. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/biopsy/ Accessed: January 2026.
- Abbaspour N, et al. J Res Med Sci. 2014;19(2):164–74.
DCPH-P02570 | January 2026