Giant Cell Tumors

Definition

Giant cell tumor generally refers to a bone tumor and is typically found in the end of arm and leg bones.

Description

Giant cell tumor of the bone is also referred to as an osteoclastoma as it contains a large number of giant cells resembling a type of bone cells called osteoclasts. Half of all giant cell tumors occurs in the knee, at the lower end of femur (thigh bone) or upper tibia (one of the bones of the lower leg). The tumor is usually located eccentrically and often causes expansion of the bone end. The tumor destroys the bony structure and thus could lead to fractures, even in the absence of stress. Other giant cell tumors can occur in virtually any other bone, including the sacrum,...

[The entire page is 1825 words long]

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the: