- Giant cell tumor of bone
Giant cell tumor of the bone (also called giant cell myeloma or osteoclastoma) is a relatively uncommon
tumor . It is characterized by the presence ofmultinucleated giant cells (osteoclast -like cells). These tumors are generallybenign .cite journal |author=Pai SB, Lalitha RM, Prasad K, Rao SG, Harish K |title=Giant cell tumor of the temporal bone--a case report |journal=BMC Ear Nose Throat Disord |volume=5 |issue= |pages=8 |year=2005 |month=September |pmid=16162299 |doi=10.1186/1472-6815-5-8 |url=http://www.biomedcentral.com/1472-6815/5/8] In most patients, the tumors are slow to develop, but may recur locally in as many as 50% of cases.Metastasis to thelung s may occur.Epidemiology
Giant cell tumor of the bone accounts for 4-5% of primary bone tumors and 18.2% of benign bone tumors. [cite journal |author=Gamberi G, Serra M, Ragazzini P, Magagnoli G, Pazzaglia L, Ponticelli F, Ferrari C, Zanasi M, Bertoni F, Picci P, Benassi M |title=Identification of markers of possible prognostic value in 57 giant cell tumors of bone |journal=Oncol Rep |volume=10 |issue=2 |pages=351–6 |year= 2003 |pmid=12579271] Giant cell tumors are mostly benign, however 5-10% of patients may have a malignant tumor.
Clinical characteristics
Patients usually present with pain and limited range of motion caused by tumor's proximity to the joint space. There may be swelling as well, if the tumor has been growing for a long time. Some patients may be asymptomatic until they develop a
pathologic fracture at the site of the tumor.Patient may also experience nerve pain which feels like an electric shock.
Imaging
On x-ray, giant cell tumors (GCTs) have a metaepiphyseal location and grow to the articular surface of the involved bone. [cite journal |author=Murphey M, Nomikos G, Flemming D, Gannon F, Temple H, Kransdorf M |title=From the archives of AFIP. Imaging of giant cell tumor and giant cell reparative granuloma of bone: radiologic-pathologic correlation |journal=Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc |volume=21 |issue=5 |pages=1283–309 |year=2001 |pmid=11553835] Radiologically the tumours show characteristic 'soap bubble' appearance. They are distinguishable from other bony tumors in that GCTs usually have a non-sclerotic and sharply defined border. Because giant cell tumors are known to metastasize,cite web |url=http://www.wheelessonline.com/ortho/giant_cell_tumor_of_bone |title=Giant-cell tumor of bone - Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics |format= |work= |accessdate=] when the diagnosis of giant cell tumor is suspected, a chest x-ray or CT may be needed. MRI can be used to assess intramedullary and soft tissue extension.
Treatment
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