Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

Which benign tumors are included in conditions such as Dupuytren's and Garrod's nodes?

1. Fibromas

2. Schwannomas

3. Malignant fibrous histiocytomas

4. Cystic fibromas

The correct answer is: Fibromas

Dupuytren's contracture and Garrod's nodes are conditions associated with proliferative changes in fibrous tissue, where the primary characteristic is the formation of fibromas within the palmar fascia. Fibromas are benign tumors of fibrous connective tissue, which reflect the nature of the tissue involved in Dupuytren's and Garrod's conditions. In Dupuytren's, nodular thickening occurs due to the abnormal accumulation of fibrous tissue, leading to contractures of the fingers. Garrod's nodes are similar nodular thickenings that occur at the proximal interphalangeal joints, commonly without functional impairment. Other options, such as Schwannomas, are nerve sheath tumors and do not relate to the conditions described, while malignant fibrous histiocytomas are cancers, not benign tumors. Cystic fibromas do not correspond to the fibrous tissue changes seen in Dupuytren's or Garrod's nodes, which is why they are not considered correct in this context. The understanding of Dupuytren's and Garrod’s nodes as conditions primarily involving fibrous tissue growth reinforces the relevance of fibromas as the appropriate answer.