Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a benign but locally aggressive bone tumor of young adults. It typically presents as a large lytic mass at the end of the epiphysis of long bones. Grossly it is comprised of cystic and hemorrhagic areas with little or no periosteal reaction. Microscopically areas of frank hemorrhage, numerous multinucleated giant cells and spindly stromal cells are present. Telomeric fusions, increased telomerase activity and karyotypic aberrations have been advanced as a proof of its neoplastic nature. However such findings are not universal and can be seen in rapidly proliferating normal cells as well as in several osseous lesions of developmental and/or reactive nature, and the true neoplastic nature of GCTB remains controversial. The ancillary studies have generally not reached to the point where these alone can be taken as sole diagnostic and discriminatory criteria. While giant cells and stromal cells have been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to the overwhelming hemorrhagic component. If examined carefully intact and partially degenerated red blood cells are almost invariably seen in many giant cells as well as in the stroma. While hemorrhage in many patients may be resolved without leaving any trace over time, in some it gives rise to giant cell formation, and in others it may lead to proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes. At times one sees xanthomatous cells due to intracytoplasmic cholesterol deposits and sharp cholesterol clefts. Individual genetic makeup, local tissue factors as well as the amount of hemorrhage may play a key role in the final effects and outcome. Malignancy usually does not occur in GCTB and when discover, it usually represents primary bone sarcomas missed at original diagnosis. Embolization therapy to curtail hemorrhage and insertion of cement substance to support matrix are helpful in reducing recurrences. Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) shares many features with GCTB. There had been unique karyotypic changes in some aneurysmal bone cysts making it distinct from GCTB. However these changes may be in the endothelial cells which are quite different from stromal or giant cells. It had been concluded that the poor matrix support to the vessels may lead to frequent and profuse intraosseous hemorrhage attracting blood-derived monocytes with active conversion into osteoclasts, resulting in GCTB formation. On the other hand, dilatation of the thin-walled blood vessels results in formation of ABCs. If hemorrhagic foci are replaced by proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes, then a picture of fibrous histiocytic lesion is emerged. Enhanced telomerase activity and karyotypic aberrations may be necessary for rapid division of the nuclei of the giant cells

Review Article Giant Cell Tumor of Bone: A Neoplasm or a Reactive Condition?

Giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) is a benign but locally aggressive bone tumor of young adults. It typically presents as a large lytic mass at the end of the epiphysis of long bones. Grossly it is comprised of cystic and hemorrhagic areas with little or no periosteal reaction. Microscopically areas of frank hemorrhage, numerous multinucleated giant cells and spindly stromal cells are present. Telomeric fusions, increased telomerase activity and karyotypic aberrations have been advanced as a proof of its neoplastic nature. However such findings are not universal and can be seen in rapidly proliferating normal cells as well as in several osseous lesions of developmental and/or reactive nature, and the true neoplastic nature of GCTB remains controversial. The ancillary studies have generally not reached to the point where these alone can be taken as sole diagnostic and discriminatory criteria. While giant cells and stromal cells have been extensively studied, little attention has been paid to the overwhelming hemorrhagic component. If examined carefully intact and partially degenerated red blood cells are almost invariably seen in many giant cells as well as in the stroma. While hemorrhage in many patients may be resolved without leaving any trace over time, in some it gives rise to giant cell formation, and in others it may lead to proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes. At times one sees xanthomatous cells due to intracytoplasmic cholesterol deposits and sharp cholesterol clefts. Individual genetic makeup, local tissue factors as well as the amount of hemorrhage may play a key role in the final effects and outcome. Malignancy usually does not occur in GCTB and when discover, it usually represents primary bone sarcomas missed at original diagnosis. Embolization therapy to curtail hemorrhage and insertion of cement substance to support matrix are helpful in reducing recurrences. Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) shares many features with GCTB. There had been unique karyotypic changes in some aneurysmal bone cysts making it distinct from GCTB. However these changes may be in the endothelial cells which are quite different from stromal or giant cells. It had been concluded that the poor matrix support to the vessels may lead to frequent and profuse intraosseous hemorrhage attracting blood-derived monocytes with active conversion into osteoclasts, resulting in GCTB formation. On the other hand, dilatation of the thin-walled blood vessels results in formation of ABCs. If hemorrhagic foci are replaced by proliferation of fibroblasts and histiocytes, then a picture of fibrous histiocytic lesion is emerged. Enhanced telomerase activity and karyotypic aberrations may be necessary for rapid division of the nuclei of the giant cells in order to be able to deal with significant in situ intraosseous hemorrhage.

Giant cell tumor of bone: a neoplasm or a reactive condition?

We describe the results of cemented total hip replacement in 23 patients (23 hips) with active tuberculous arthritis of the hip with a mean follow-up of 47 years (4 to 7) In two patients the diagnosis was proved by pre-operative biopsy, whereas all others were diagnosed on a clinicoradiological basis with confirmation obtained by histopathological examination and polymerase chain reaction of tissue samples taken at the time of surgery All patients received chemotherapy for at least three months before surgery and treatment was continued for a total of 18 months Post-operative dislocation occurred in one patient and was managed successfully by closed reduction No reactivation of the infection or loosening of the implant was recorded and function of the hip improved in all patients Total hip replacement in the presence of active tuberculous arthritis of the hip is a safe procedure when pre-operative chemotherapy is commenced and continued for an extended period after operation

Total hip replacement in active advanced tuberculous arthritis

Primaly giant cell tumor of bone (GCT) in the proximal femur is relatively rare, and can prove difficult to diagnose, and can require therapeutic methods. Subjects comprised 10 patients (8 males, 2 females). Mean patient age was 27.5 years, and mean follow-up was 89.9 months. Tumors in the present study were limited to H1 and H2 according to the International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) system. All patients received surgical treatment only. Second surgery after preoperative open biopsy was performed for two patients, while the remaining eight patients received excisional biopsy to determine treatment methods using rapid intraoperative pathological examination of frozen sections. The mean functional score was 28.2 out of 30 (93.9%). Local recurrence was observed in two patients. The long-term follow-up reveals that one of the important problem is pre-operative diagnosis. Excisional biopsy is effective for surgery of GCT in the proximal femur.

Diagnostic and therapeutic problems of giant cell tumor in the proximal femur

Extraskeletal cartilaginous tumors are uncommon. Osteochondromas usually arise from the metaphyseal region of the growing skeleton. A 53 year old man presented with a three years history of anterior knee pain and inability to flex his knee more than 90°. Clinical examination and imaging studies revealed a nodular calcific mass in the anterior portion of the knee, displacing the medial portion of the patellar tendon. Following excision, histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of extra-osseous osteochondroma-like soft tissue mass, with no recurrence 24 months after surgery. An integrated clinical-pathologic diagnosis helps to clarify the nature of extraskeletal cartilaginous tumors that can arise at unusual anatomic site. Complete local surgical excision is the management of choice.

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Extra-osseous osteochondroma-like soft tissue mass of the patello-femoral space

A 32 month follow up of an uncommon case of a Giant Cell Tumour affecting the proximal end of femur is presented. Following a wide excision, the hip was reconstructed using Charnley type of low friction total hip arthroplasty. At a 32 month review, there was no recurrence and the function was good.

Total hip arthroplasty for giant cell tumour.

A very rare case of solitary osteochondroma of the knee is reported. The patient presented with a slowly growing retropatellar bony tumour of 4 years duration following a minor trauma. An excisional biopsy with a total patellectomy was performed as the patellar articular surface was unsalvageable. A 20 month follow up revealed no recurrence and a functional knee. A brief review of literature is also presented.

Solitary synovial osteochondroma of the knee.

A patient who reported with a slowly growing swelling ovr thee lateral aspect of the left ankle, was investigated and diagnosed to have a giant cell tumour which was confirmed on FNAC. The tumour was managed with excision biopsy and reconstruction. The case is being reported for its rare site of occurrence.

Distal fibular giant cell tumour.

Total hip arthroplasty was performed in a patient who had tuberculous hip, quiescent for the last 15 years, without pre or postoperative anti-tuberculous chemotherapy. At a 27 month follow up, there has been no evidence of reactivation. A brief review of relevant literature is also presented.

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Papers

Total hip arthroplasty for giant cell tumour.

Solitary synovial osteochondroma of the knee.

Distal fibular giant cell tumour.

Total hip arthroplasty in healed tuberculous hip.