Giant cell tumor of the cervical spine: A case report

A Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) of the bone is a locally osteolytic tumor made up of mononuclear ovoid stromal cells and multinucleated giant cells. It commonly affects long bones like the distal femur and proximal tibia, but can also develop in the cervical spine during the third and fourth decades of life.

A 20-year-old female presented to the clinic with a complaint of neck pain persisting for one month. Clinical examination revealed bilateral radiculopathy in the upper limb, which was also associated with pain in the left shoulder and elbow. Imaging revealed a destructive lesion in the 7th cervical vertebra (C7). A biopsy was done which indicated a giant cell tumor (GCT). A C7 corpectomy was performed, which included the removal of the C7 vertebral body and application of a cage. At the two-year follow-up, the patient remained asymptomatic, and radiographs showed no signs of recurrence.

A Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) occurring above the sacrum, especially in the cervical spine, is extremely rare. Symptoms of GCT are often nonspecific and can include neck pain, numbness, and weakness in the upper limbs, which are sometimes mistaken for myalgia or disc disease. The main treatment goal for GCT is "en bloc" resection while preserving the joint, though this can be challenging, particularly in spinal cases.

It is crucial to acknowledge that GCT can appear in uncommon sites and age groups. Surgeons must have a high level of awareness and perform an adequate preoperative workup, before definitive treatment. The patient should undergo regular follow-ups to detect any recurrence or metastasis at an early stage.