Giant Cell Tumor: A Case Series of Seven Patients with GCT at Atypical Sites

INTRODUCTION: Giant cell tumor (GCT) represents 5% of all primary bone tumors and 20% of biopsy analyzed benign tumors. More than half of these lesions occur in the 3rd and 4th decades of life. There is no absolute treatment method selection. Techniques ranging from intralesional curettage to wide resection can be used. Goal is to eradicate the tumor, preserve limb function, and prevent local recurrence and distant metastasis. CASE REPORT: We are presenting seven cases of GCT at five different and rare sites involving tibia, calcaneum, metatarsal, proximal humerus, and clavicle with tumor being limited to bone in all seven cases not involving the soft tissue. There were three male patients and four female patients. Six patients underwent intralesional curettage using high-speed burr and curette, along with adjuvant irrigation with hydrogen peroxide and normal saline followed by polymethyl methacrylate reconstruction. One patient with GCT clavicle underwent wide resection. RESULTS: In all seven cases, we were able to able to remove the tumor completely. Six patients had a gradual and complete recovery with return to near normal activity within 6 month–1 year after surgery. One patient with proximal humerus GCT had a recurrence which got resolved with injection denosumab. All patients have been followed up for a minimum duration of 2 years. CONCLUSION: Intervention in the early stages can avoid radical procedures such as wide local excision or amputation. We recommend aggressive surgical approach with close follow-up to detect recurrence if any, at an early stage.