Giant cell tumors (GCT’s) are Benign tumors that arise in bone. They most commonly appear near the end of long bones, such as the knee, wrist, or shoulder. They are seen in a broad range of age groups. GCT’s are usually situated just under a joint space and can therefore weaken the bone in or near a joint. This can especially be a problem in weight bearing joints such as the knee or hip. Thinning of the bone in these regions can cause collapse of the bone. The name "Giant Cell Tumor" is derived from how the cells appear under the microscope.
GCT’s are treated surgically by scraping the tumor out of the bone and filling the subsequent cavity with bone graft or bone cement. The rate of recurrence after surgery for Giant Cell Tumors can be as high as 20-30%. We therefore continue to take X-rays of the affected bone for some time following surgery.
Preoperative & postop X-rays of Giant Cell Tumor of the proximal tibia (near the knee). Tumor was removed and bony space was grafted with cement. Plate and screws help to stabilize the knee after surgery.
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 12 November 2007 )
|
