Giant cell tumor of the rib

In a rare case of a giant cell tumor of rib origin, a 25-year-old woman to be evaluated for an abnormal mass shadow in chest radiography was strongly positive in a tuberculin skin test, but showed no evidence of active tuberculosis. Chest computed tomography showed a heterogeneous mass originating in the posterior end of the right fourth rib and containing multiple calcifications and cystic lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a high signal intensity with low signal intensity areas. Bone scintigraphy showed an abnormal marked accumulation at the tumor site. A thoracoscopic examination was conducted prior to complete tumor resection, including the fourth rib and related muscles. The pathological diagnosis returned was a giant cell tumor of the bone. The patient did not undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and remains well, and tumor-free at 6 months after surgery.