Your team to treat TGCT
Having a multidisciplinary care team means there are different healthcare professionals working together to give you the best treatment and care; keeping them informed about how you’re feeling will help them help you.
Oncologists
TGCT is not cancerous, but sometimes oncologists who specialize in cancer can help treat your TGCT. Oncologists understand how tumors grow and may be able to help you make treatment decisions—which is why they are the typical treaters of TGCT.
Hand surgeons
Localized TGCT usually occurs in the hand. Patients with small, localized tumors in the hand may be referred to hand surgeons for their expert knowledge and skill set.
Pain management specialists
Physicians, nurses, psychologists, and rehabilitation specialists can treat pain. Talk with your healthcare team to find a pain specialist.
Orthopedic surgeons
Orthopedic surgeons diagnose and treat disorders of the bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Patients diagnosed with TGCT or those who have symptoms of TGCT may be referred to orthopedic surgeons for their expert knowledge. General orthopedic surgeons may not be familiar with the disease, but orthopedic oncologists are skilled in treating TGCT.
Advanced practitioners
Nurse practitioners and physician assistants who specialize in oncology or orthopedics may have the expertise to manage treatment and long-term care for patients with TGCT that is recurrent, diffuse, or difficult to treat. These advanced practitioners may perform exams, order and evaluate laboratory tests, and provide pre- and post-treatment patient education.
Pathologists
Pathologists analyze samples of tissues or bodily fluids. They confirm the presence of certain substances, and this work helps doctors diagnose and manage TGCT.
Physical therapists and rehabilitation specialists
These specialists may play a role in diagnosing TGCT. They may also help patients with post-surgery recovery.
Radiologists
Radiologists perform tests and assess the results. The tests may include X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound.
A discussion guide to help lead
your treatment conversation
Discover helpful questions to ask at your next doctor visit.
There are other TGCT treatment options aside from surgery
Surgery is often the first course of action, but if you and your care team decide surgery is not likely to improve your condition, there are other treatment options available for you.
Depending on severity, TGCT can return after surgery in 4 years or sooner. The estimated recurrence rate for diffuse TGCT is up to 55%. Multiple surgeries can be painful and limit your range of motion, with risk of infection.
Estimated recurrence rate for diffuse TGCT
For patients with TGCT not likely to improve with surgery, talk to a doctor about Turalio® (pexidartinib) as a treatment option.
TGCT treatment centers
Find treatment centers and doctors who can
prescribe Turalio.
