GCT is a benign (non cancerous) tumor of the bone, which is much more common than cancers of bone. It often affects patients between 20- 40 years of age, although other age groups can also be affected by it. The patient complains of pain and sometimes swelling, often close to a joint, most commonly around the knee.
The adjoining joint also may develop stiffness and swelling. Sometimes a history of an injury is available, although there is no evidence of injury having any causative effect. Suspicion of diagnosis is made on an x ray, CT scan or MRI, and confirmed by a core needle biopsy usually done as an OPD procedure under local anesthesia.
The treatment of GCT is surgical removal. This is often achieved by either a procedure called extended curettage, where the shell of the bone containing the tumor is retained and the tumor tissue is thoroughly removed with the use of specific instruments and some additional treatment with “adjuvants”. This cavity is then filled with either bone cement or bone grafts. Rarely, curettage is not possible because of extensive destruction of bone, and a complete removal of the bone is required with limb salvage is recommended. Even more rarely, radiation therapy or medical therapy will be advised for inoperable patients. After surgery, the patients are advised follow up with clinical examination and x rays.