A thoracic spinal bone giant cell tumor in a skeletally immature girl. A case report and literature review

Abstract

Purpose: Giant cell tumors (GCT) are benign primary bone tumors, locally aggressive, affecting in long bones in young adults during the third decade. It is rare to experience this lesion in skeletally immature patients. GCT are related to a risk of local recurrence and malignant transformation. Method: We report a rare case of a giant cell tumor of the thoracic spine in a skeletally immature girl presenting with a painful right scoliosis. Results: MRI, CT scan, and bone scintigraphy were discordant and the percutaneous biopsy non-contributive. Conclusion: A marginal “en bloc” resection was performed and revealed the GCT. Based on a literature review, the diagnosis and the surgical management of this case are discussed.