An Uncommon Presentation of Giant Cell Tumor

Hunaina Al-Kindi,¹ Mina George,¹ Gopal Malhotra,² Khamis Al-Muzahmi³

How to cite this article

Al-Kindi H, George M, Malhotra G, Al Muzahmi K.An Uncommon Presentation of Giant Cell Tumor. Oman Med J 2011 Sept; 26(5):359-361.

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Al-Kindi H, George M, Malhotra G, Al Muzahmi K.An Uncommon Presentation of Giant Cell Tumor. Oman Med J 2011 Sept; 26(5):359-361. Available from http://www.omjournal.org/fultext_PDF.aspx?DetailsID=149&type=fultext

Abstract

Giant Cell Tumors commonly occur at the ends of long bones. However in rare cases, they can occur in the bones of the hands and feet. Tumors in these locations occur in younger patients; in addition, these tumors are more commonly multifocal and are associated with a higher risk for local recurrence than tumors at the ends of long bones. Since lesions in the small bones may be multifocal, a patient with a giant cell tumor of the small bones should undergo a skeletal survey to exclude similar lesions elsewhere. Primary surgical treatment ranges from curettage or excision with or without bone grafting to amputation. The success of surgical treatment depends on the completeness with which the tumor was removed. We are presenting a case report of a 34 year old female, who presented with a swelling in the right hand, following trauma. X-ray of the hand showed an osteolytic expansile lesion at the base of the 1^st metacarpal bone. The lesion was initially curetted and then treated by local resection with bone grafting. Histological examination revealed a typical benign giant cell tumor composed of closely packed stromal cells with a variable admixture of giant cells. Follow up at the end of one year did not reveal any recurrence of the tumor.

Keywords: Giant cell tumor; 1^st metacarpal bone.

Introduction

Giant Cell Tumor of the bone is a benign tumor. It is locally aggressive with a tendency to produce local recurrence and occasional metastasis. Giant cell tumor is commonly seen in the epi-metaphyseal ends of long bones of young adults and more prevalent in women than in men. Rarely, it can occur in the bones of the hands and feet.^1-13 The metacarpal bone is the most common site on the hand and may be multifocal.^12,13 The clinical features are non specific; however, majority of cases present as expansile lesions associated with pain.^1-12 Patients who present with acute pain may have associated fracture, which brings the tumor to clinical attention.¹⁰ The morphological findings of giant cell tumor in the hand are similar to that in other locations, and consist of large numbers of osteoclast-like giant cells in a background of epithelioid to spindle shaped mononuclear cells. We present a case of giant cell tumor of the 1^st metacarpal bone, which was treated initially by curettage and then later by local resection and bone grafting.

Case Report

A 34 year old female presented with a swelling in the right hand, following trauma. X-ray of the hand showed an osteolytic expansile lesion at the base of the 1^st metacarpal bone, (Fig. 1). MRI T2- FATSAT and Post contrast T1-FATSAT revealed expansile solid lesion of 1^st metacarpal with central necrosis. (Figs. 2a&b)

Figure 1: X-ray of the hand showed an osteolytic expansile lesion at the base of 1^st metacarpal bone.

All routine blood investigations including full blood count, urea, electrolytes, liver function test, coagulation profile and parathyroid hormone levels were normal. Skeletal survey was not performed. The lesion was initially curetted and then treated by local resection with bone grafting. (Fig. 3)

Grossly, we received multiple fragments of yellow soft tissue, which together measured 3 × 2.5 × 1 cm. A month later, we received an amputated metacarpal bone measuring 4 cm in length and 2.8 cm in maximum diameter. The dorsal part showed irregular ellipse of skin with underlying subcutaneous tissue measuring 1.7 × 0.5 × 1 cm. Cut section showed an irregular grey to brown mass at the central part of the bone measuring approximately 3 cm in maximum dimension, (Fig. 4). The cortex of the bone was intact.

a

b

Figure 2: (a&b) MRI coronal T2- FATSAT and Post contrast T1-FATSAT revealed enhancing expansile solid lesion of the 1^st metacarpal with central necrosis.

Figure 3: X-ray of the hand after local resection with bone grafting.

Histological examination of the curetted tissue and from the resected tumor, revealed a typical benign giant cell tumor, composed of closely packed stromal cells with a variable admixture of giant cells. Mitoses were noted but there were no abnormal forms, (Figs. 5a&b). Scattered lymphocytes and hemorrhage were noted in the stroma.

Figure 4: A cut section of 1^st metacarpal bone showing irregular grey to brown mass at the central part of the bone.

Figure 5a: Mononucleated stromal cells with multinucleated giant cells can be seen (H&E, original magnification ×200).

Figure 5b: Mononucleated stromal cells with multinucleated giant cells can be seen (H&E, original magnification ×400).

Discussion

Giant cell tumor is a benign bone tumor, which commonly occurs at the distal aspect of the femur, proximal part of the tibia and the distal end of the radius.^4,5 Involvement of the bones of the hands are uncommon (about 0.9 to 3.3%).^2,12 They are commonly found in the younger age group and more prevalent in females than in males.^2,4 The metacarpal bone is the most common site seen on the hand.^1-12 Pain and swelling are the most common presenting symptoms.³ A few cases present with history of trauma, followed by swelling as in our case.^2,10 Association with trauma, induces pain that plays a role in bringing the tumor to clinical attention. These tumors are not known to be associated with environmental factors and they are not inherited.

The typical radiologic findings of giant cell tumor include; a well-defined, lytic lesion located in the epiphysis with some degree of trabeculation. The cortex is usually thinned and may show areas of destruction. Periosteal reaction is not usually observed.^2,7,8,13

The macroscopic appearance is usually soft fleshy tan to light brown. On histologic examination, giant cells are seen uniformly distributed within a bland mononuclear round to oval stromal cell background. The presence of giant cells is not specific for the diagnosis of Giant cell tumor.¹³

Giant cells can also be detected in Aneurysmal bone cysts, Chondroblastoma, Brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism, Non-ossifying fibroma and Giant cell granuloma.^7,10,13 Aneurysmal bone cysts can occur de novo and secondary to giant cell tumor. Radiology shows an eccentric expansion of bone involving metaphysis with cortical erosion and destruction. Small peripheral area of periosteal bone formation is also noted. Usually, fluid levels detectable by CT and MRI show honeycomb appearance with fluid levels.^7,10,13

Histology shows large cystic spaces filled with blood and separated by fibrous septa. Solid areas may also be seen. Scattered osteoclast-like multinucleated giant cells are noted in fibrous septa and solid areas.¹³ Chondroblastoma has specific X-ray findings which differentiate it from giant cell tumor. In chondroblastoma; the lesion is well circumscribed involving the epiphysis with spotty calcifications.¹³ Histologically, the basic proliferating cell is chondroblast, which has distinct oval nuclei with longitudinal groove. Most of the cases show chondroid differentiation.¹⁴

Patients with Brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism usually have marked hypercalcemia and hypophosphatemia. The radiological findings can be differentiated from the giant cell tumor by the presence of diffuse osteopenia with specific pattern of cortical cutting cones.^7,10,13

Non-ossifying fibroma (metaphyseal fibrous defect) is a childhood disease and has typical radiological findings which are characterized by eccentric location, well demarcation and multilocular appearance.¹⁵ Histologically, it is distinguished from giant cell tumor by the presence of hemosiderin laden macrophages and foam cells. Giant cells are usually present in clusters while in Giant cell granuloma,¹³ the same morphological features of giant cell tumor are noted with extravasation of red blood cells. However, this is a disease which is peculiar to the jaw bones.^13,16 Generally, lesions in small bones may be multifocal, hence any patient with a giant cell tumor of the small bones should undergo a skeletal survey to exclude similar lesions elsewhere.^1-12

The treatment of choice is aggressive curettage or resection of the tumor. Superior results have been reported with curettage, cryosurgery and cementation.^2,5 Giant cell tumors of the hand behave more aggressively than other giant cell rich lesions and recurrence rate reported in different studies vary between 30.7-88%.^2-4

Conclusion

This is a case report of a giant cell tumor with typical clinical, radiologic and pathological findings. It is important to identify these lesions because it is associated with more aggressive behavior and high chance of recurrence and multicentricity.

Acknowledgements

The authors reported no conflict of interest and no funding was received on this work.

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