Giant Cell Tumor (tumor gigantocellularis, osteoclastoma) - epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment

The author presents the epidemiology, classification, clinical features and strategies of treatment of Giant Cell Tumor. Giant Cell Tumor of Bone accounts for 4-8% of primary bone tumors. It is most commonly seen in women aged 20 to 40 years. The most common sites are the distal femur and proximal tibia, distal radius, and proximal humerus. Increasing pain at the tumor site is the most common presenting symptom. Three types of GCT can be distinguished radiographically according to the Cappanacci or Enneking classification. The mainstay of treatment is total mechanical removal with curettage. The recurrence rate is high (12-50%) during the first 2-3 years after surgery, regardless of pre-operative tumor stage. 5-7% cases of giant cell tumor produce malignant recurrences, usually after five to more than 10 years after surgery.