Primary malignant giant cell tumor of the sternum

Abstract

Primary malignant giant cell tumor (PMGCT) is a diagnosis based on the presence of a high-grade sarcomatous component along with a typical benign giant cell tumor (GCT). We report the first case of PMGCT of the sternum in a 28-year-old male with painless swelling over the manubrium sterni. The differential diagnoses of PMGCT and giant cell-rich osteosarcoma were considered. Surgical resection was performed, and the reconstruction was done with a neosternum using polymethyl methacrylate and prolene mesh. At 30 months follow-up, the patient is disease-free.

Partial sternectomy with reconstruction of a giant cell tumor of the sternum, a case report, Saudi, Arabia

“…Only 13 cases of sternal GCT have been reported, with the sternal body involved in 61.5% and the manubrium in 38.4%. The mean age was 45 years (with a range of 28–74 years), and most cases were men (66.4%) [ 1 ].…”

“…En-bloc resection is associated with a lower recurrence rate but higher morbidity [ 4 ]. Subtotal sternectomy is the most common procedure for GCT of the sternum, and the extent of resection depends on the location of the tumor [ 1 , 2 , 8 ]. To avoid pulmonary complications such as a flutter chest and paradoxical breathing, the sternum should be adequately reconstructed after tumor resection.…”

“…Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a relatively common benign bone tumor that can be locally aggressive, although it rarely affects the sternum. Primary sternal tumors are very rare, with secondary sternal tumors being more common [ 1 , 2 ]. GCT is a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin characterized by the proliferation of osteoclastic multinucleated giant cells on a background of mononuclear cell stroma.…”

“…GCT is a neoplasm of mesenchymal origin characterized by the proliferation of osteoclastic multinucleated giant cells on a background of mononuclear cell stroma. In rare cases, GCT may undergo malignant transformation and often recurs locally after surgery [ 1 , 2 ]. GCTs account for 5–6% of all primary bone tumors, with an incidence of primary malignancy accounting for 1.6% of all GCTs.…”

“…GCTs account for 5–6% of all primary bone tumors, with an incidence of primary malignancy accounting for 1.6% of all GCTs. They usually occur in the meta-epiphyseal region of the long tubular bones, and involvement of the sternum by GCT is very rare, with only a few cases reported [ 1 – 4 ].…”