Giant-cell tumours of bone of the hand and wrist: a review of imaging findings and differential diagnoses

Abstract

Giant-cell tumour of bone (GCTOB) is a benign, locally aggressive, primary bone tumour. Involvement of the distal radius accounts for between 10 and 12% of cases of GCTOB, with the bones of the hand and wrist being rarely affected. GCTOB most commonly affects skeletally mature patients between the ages of 20 and 40 years, with the peak incidence being in the third decade. Women are affected slightly more commonly than men. GCTOB involving the bones of the hand most commonly occurs in a central location, which differs from the usual eccentric location seen in GCTOB at other sites. The radiographic features of GCTOB in the hand and wrist are presented. The role of bone scintigraphy, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging is discussed. Evaluation of the postoperative patient is also addressed, including the role of dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. A comprehensive review of the potential differential diagnoses that should be considered when GCTOB is suspected in the hand and wrist is also presented.

Aggressive Behavior of a Giant Cell Tumor Involving the Metacarpal Bone During Pregnancy: Case Report

“…Involvement of the bones of the hand, as in our case, is rare and accounts for 2-4% of cases (2). Tumors most frequently occur in the metaphyseal side of the epiphysis of long tubular bones, predominantly affecting young adults after closure of the growth plate (1).…”

Ressecção ampla e transposição fibular no tratamento do TCG da extremidade distal do rádio

“…1,2 Jaffe et al, in 1940, described its appearance on the X-ray, anatomical distribution, histology and variable and sometimes locally aggressive clinical behavior. 1,3 It more commonly affects individuals in the age group of 18 to 40 years, with peak incidence in the third decade of life, being more usually found in women (1,5 -2 : 1), being uncommon in children.…”

“…(3,4) In children (2-6% of the cases), its location can be metaphyseal or diaphyseal. 2,3 The most frequently affected segments are, sequentially: distal femoral, tibial proximal and radius distal epiphyses. 2,3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The radius distal epiphysis is affected in 10% of the cases.…”

“…2,3 The most frequently affected segments are, sequentially: distal femoral, tibial proximal and radius distal epiphyses. 2,3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The radius distal epiphysis is affected in 10% of the cases. 2,10 Although classified as a benign neoplasia, multicentre involvement (1% of the cases) or metastasis to lungs and mediastinum (1-9% of the cases) may occur, usually associated to primary injuries located at the radius distal segment.…”

“…2,3,[5][6][7][8][9][10][11] The radius distal epiphysis is affected in 10% of the cases. 2,10 Although classified as a benign neoplasia, multicentre involvement (1% of the cases) or metastasis to lungs and mediastinum (1-9% of the cases) may occur, usually associated to primary injuries located at the radius distal segment. 2,3,9 Its signs and symptoms will depend on the size, site and how fast the lesion progresses.…”