Giant cell tumor

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a rare, aggressive, non-cancerous tumor that generally occurs near the end of the bones, close to a joint. The knee is the most common site, but it can also occur in the arms, legs, spine, and pelvis. GCTs are characterized by the presence of multinucleated giant cells.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of GCT can vary depending on the location of the tumor. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the affected area
  • Swelling or a lump in the affected area
  • Limited range of motion in the affected joint
  • Bone fractures

Causes[edit | edit source]

The exact cause of GCT is unknown. It is not associated with any known risk factors or genetic mutations.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis of GCT typically involves a physical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, and a biopsy to examine the cells under a microscope.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment options for GCT include surgery to remove the tumor, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy with drugs such as denosumab.

Prognosis[edit | edit source]

The prognosis for GCT is generally good, with a high rate of local recurrence but a low rate of metastasis.

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]


Giant cell tumor Resources

Find a healthcare provider anywhere in the world quickly and easily!

Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD