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Case Reports
. 2025 Sep 8;17(9):e91817.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.91817. eCollection 2025 Sep.

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (Masson's Tumor) of the Thumb Presenting as a Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath: A Case Report and Literature Review

Grigorios Kastanis  1   2 , Constantinos Chaniotakis  2 , Konstantinos Zampetakis  2 , Nikolaos Ritzakis  2 , Ioannis Ktistakis  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Intravascular Papillary Endothelial Hyperplasia (Masson's Tumor) of the Thumb Presenting as a Giant Cell Tumor of Tendon Sheath: A Case Report and Literature Review

Grigorios Kastanis et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Masson's tumor, also known as intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), is a rare benign vascular lesion of the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It represents the organization and recanalization of a thrombus within a normal vessel, vascular malformation, or hematoma. Although it can occur in any part of the body, its presence in the hand can be particularly challenging to differentiate from other soft-tissue lesions. We present a case of Masson's tumor located in the distal phalanx of the thumb. Initial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examination suggested a giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath; however, following surgical excision, histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of Masson's tumor. This case highlights the critical importance of histopathological examination, as Masson's tumor can closely mimic other soft-tissue lesions.

Keywords: giant cell tumors; hand mass; hemangioma; intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (masson's tumor); thumb lesion.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. T2-weighted MRI depicts the soft-tissue mass on the palmar surface of the thumb
MRI: magnetic resonance imaging
Figure 2
Figure 2. The intraoperative view revealed thrombus formation in the center of the mass
Figure 3
Figure 3. Microscopically, dilated vascular spaces, reminiscent of a hemangioma, were recognized, with the presence of thrombus and papillary endothelial hyperplasia; papillary structures, within a fibrous connective stroma, which are lined by a single layer of plump endothelial cells, inside the lumina of a dilated vessel
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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