Giant cell tumor of the rib

We experienced a rare case of giant cell tumor (GCT) arising in the 5th rib involving the 5th vertebral body and transverse process. A 57-year-old man presented with a well-defined mass in the left thoracic cavity on chest x ray examination. Chest computed tomography showed a heterogeneous 7cm-diameter mass originating in the posterior segment of the left 5th rib. The tumor had spread to the 5th thoracic vertebra destroying the left half of the body and transverse process. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a heterogeneous-intensity mass involving the 4th to 6th ribs. A radical excision of the tumor followed by a 50 Gy radiotherapy was performed after embolization of the feeding arteries. The pathological diagnosis was a GCT. The patient remains well without evidence of recurrence for 6 years following surgery. The present case is only the 14th case of GCT arising in the rib to have been reported in Japan.