Giant cell tumors of bone

The clinical picture and histological evolution of a giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) are mysterious and may be unpredictable. The microscopic diagnosis can be difficult because of secondary xanthomatous and fibromatous changes. The histological classification of Sanerkin is based on sarcomatous changes, the number of mitoses and atypical mitoses and infiltration of the tumor into the vessels. These bone tumors are classified as benign, malignant or borderline according to their clinical behavior. GCT constitute 4% of all bone tumors and 87% of them are localized in the metaphysis of long bones. They are particularly frequent about the knee joint. The differential diagnosis is between GCT and other pathological conditions which include giant cells. Close collaboration between the clinician, the radiologist and the pathologist is necessary for diagnosis. Treatment is mainly surgical, but arterial embolization of the tumor, freezing or radiotherapy have been successful in some cases.