Distal fibular giant cell tumour

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic oncology
• Surgical pathology
• Musculoskeletal radiology

Background:

• Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are typically benign but locally aggressive bone neoplasms.
• They most commonly occur in the epiphyses of long bones, particularly around the knee.
• GCTs in the ankle are exceptionally rare, posing diagnostic and management challenges.

Observation:

• A patient presented with a gradually enlarging swelling on the lateral aspect of the left ankle.
• Initial clinical examination suggested a localized soft tissue or bony lesion.
• Imaging studies were performed to evaluate the swelling's extent and characteristics.

Findings:

• Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) confirmed the diagnosis of a giant cell tumor.
• Histopathological examination revealed characteristic multinucleated giant cells and mononuclear stromal cells.
• The tumor's location on the lateral ankle was noted as an unusual presentation.

Implications:

• This case highlights the importance of considering GCTs in the differential diagnosis of ankle swellings, despite their rarity in this location.
• Successful management involved complete surgical excision and subsequent reconstruction, preserving ankle function.
• Reporting rare presentations of GCTs contributes to a better understanding of their diverse clinical behavior and anatomical distribution.