Pigmented Villonodular Synovitis

Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) and giant cell tumor of tendon sheath are benign tumors that are characterized by invasive and destructive proliferation of synovial tissue within a joint or tendon sheath.

The lesion most commonly presents as a localized, nodular mass in or adjacent to a joint or tendon sheath. The nodular form occurs around the joints and tendons of the hands and feet. The diffuse form usually involves larger joints, and may involve several adjacent joints.

The ankle is the third most common location for diffuse intra-articular PVNS. The peak aged diagnosis is in the 20s, with men and women equally affected. The ankle and hindfoot is affected approximately twice as often as the forefoot.

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