Pigmented villonodular synovitis, or PVNS, is a benign tumor that occurs in the joints themselves.
It's a progressive disease that affects the joint lining, and — in severe cases — can cause joint destruction. It most often affects the knee, although it can affect other joints as well.
The cause of PVNS is unknown.
PVNS symptoms include pain and swelling in only one joint.
Treatment of pigmented villonodular synovitis includes surgery to remove the joint lining and the affected area.
Severe cases may require . Local recurrence is common.
At UPMC, we're investigating novel medications that may be used with surgery to help decrease morbidity/local recurrence.
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