Giant cell tumor (Osteoclastoma) of the petrous bone: Case report

Abstract

A case of a basal middle fossa giant cell tumor occurring in a 46-year-old man is described. The lesion appeared at the computed tomopraphy (CT) scan examination as an hypodense mass with a peripheral 'ring-like' enhancement, and no evident erosion of the skull base. The tumor which infiltrated the basal temporal parenchyma, was removed via a temporal transzygomatic craniotomy, and extensive drilling of the petrous bone. Despite the occurrence of significant postoperative complications, the patient ultimately showed a good clinical outcome, with no signs of recurrence at the 1-year follow-up CT scanning. The clinical and diagnostic aspects and the management policy of this rare lesion are discussed.