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Extraarticular paravertebral diffuse-type giant cell tumor
Naoko Masuzawa1, Mitsuo Kishimoto, Minoru Houshimaru
1Department of Pathology, Otsu Municipal Hospital, 2-9-9 Motomiya, Otsu, Shiga 520-0804, Japan. a198009@ych.or.jp
Skeletal Radiology
|March 9, 2006
Summary
A rare diffuse-type giant cell tumor (DGCT) was found in the paravertebral cervical region without facet joint involvement. This case highlights the potential for DGCT to present as a soft-tissue mass in this location.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Surgical Pathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Diffuse-type giant cell tumors (DGCT) are uncommon neoplasms typically associated with joint involvement.
- Paravertebral region tumors are rare, and DGCT in this location without joint association is exceptionally infrequent.
Observation:
- A 51-year-old male presented with a headache, and imaging revealed a dumbbell-shaped mass in the paravertebral cervical region (C6-C7).
- The mass caused enlargement of the right intervertebral foramen.
- Initial suspicion was a schwannoma due to the tumor's location and appearance.
Findings:
- Histological examination revealed a tumor composed primarily of mononuclear histiocytoid cells, foamy macrophages, and multinucleated giant cells.
- The diagnosis was confirmed as a diffuse-type giant cell tumor (DGCT).
- Crucially, the tumor was extra-articular and not associated with the facet joint.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical presentations of DGCT.
- It emphasizes the importance of considering DGCT in the differential diagnosis of paravertebral soft-tissue masses, even without apparent facet joint involvement.
- Awareness of this presentation aids in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of paravertebral tumors.