Multicentric giant cell tumor: metachronous central and peripheral involvement

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Pathology
• Radiology

Background:

• Giant cell tumors (GCT) are rare in the head and neck, with a predilection for long bones.
• Common head and neck sites include the maxilla and mandible; sphenoid and temporal bone involvement is exceptionally rare.
• Differential diagnoses include reparative granuloma and brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism.

Observation:

• A case report detailing a female patient with a multicentric giant cell tumor.
• The tumor exhibited involvement of the skull base, a highly unusual location.
• Clinical and radiologic findings were systematically documented.

Findings:

• The multicentric giant cell tumor presented with skull base involvement.
• Radiological imaging confirmed the tumor's extent and characteristics.
• Pathophysiological similarities between peripheral and central GCTs were observed.

Implications:

• This case expands the known anatomical distribution of giant cell tumors.
• Understanding the shared pathophysiology may inform future diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Highlights the importance of considering GCTs in the differential diagnosis of skull base lesions.