Abstract

AIM: Neoplasms of the hand and foot are not seen commonly and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath (GCTTS) is the most common primary tumor of the hand. Many different theories have recently been proposed as to whether GCTTS is a neoplasm or a localized reactive process. The nature of this lesion is still controversial: some researchers consider it a reactive process arising from chronic inflammation while others regard it as a tumor of presumed synovial cell or monocytic macrophage system origin. In an effort to clarify the histogenesis of GCTTS, we decided to further investigate retrospectively the possible etiopathogenetic agent in histochemically stained slides. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We studied 34 GCTTS of the fıngers using a panel of five histochemical stains, periodic acid Schiff (PAS), PAS with diastase and Gomoris' methenamine silver stain for fungi, gram stain for microorganism and finally Ziehl-Nielsen stain for acido-resistant bacteria. FINDINGS: The examination of fıve different type histochemical stained slides in light microscopy revealed that there were no possible etiopathogenetic agent, microrganism or fungi in GCTTS. CONCLUSION: Although the origin is still not proved, the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of GCTTS have been clear for a long time. Our results ernphasize that stained slides with fıve histochemical staining methods do not define a infectious origin. It remains to be determined whether GCTTS is a reactive or hyperplastic process. The issue of etiopathogenesis of GCTTS needs advanced studies include larger series, with sophisticated tehnique like subcellular and different histochemical and/or immunohistochemical stains.