The importance of recognizing malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts

Giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytoma of the head and neck

“…The treatment and prognosis of these neoplasms are best considered in the above mentioned subdivisions. The superficial tumours arise within the subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and muscle sheaths (Robins et al, 1978). Generally, these neoplasms are considered to be of low-grade malignant potential (approximately 16% metastasize) and are best treated with wide local excision.…”

“…Deep tumours carry a much worse prognosis. These tumours arise within the deep muscle planes, deep fascia, tendon sheaths, and may involve blood vessels and nerves (Robins et al, 1978). Deep seated tumours show a cumulative metastatic rate of greater than 50% and recurrence rate of 40% (Enzinger and Weiss, 1988).…”

“…The giant cell variant of malignant fibrous histiocytomas (GC-MFH), previously known as malignant giant cell tumours of soft parts, comprise approximately 15% of all cases of MFH (Flanagan and Chambers, 1989). Like MFH, these neoplasms occur most commonly in the dermis and subcutis of the extremities, and are rare in the head and neck region (Robins et al, 1978). After a review of the English literature, we found eight well documented cases of GC-MFH affecting head and neck structures.…”

A case report-giant cell tumour of soft tissue with low malignant potential in right axilla: A case report

“…GCT-ST is characterized by the presence of spindles or polygonal mononuclear cells and multinucleated osteoclast like giant cells [6] . Atypia and necrosis are present in the malignant form of GCT-ST. GCT-ST is most commonly found in superficial soft tissue of upper and lower extremities, especially on hands, arms, and feet [8][9][10][11][12][13] . There is no predominant age group affected by the tumour specifically, as it occurs in a broad age range from 5 to 84 years with no sex predilection [12][13][14] .…”

“…Atypia and necrosis are present in the malignant form of GCT-ST. GCT-ST is most commonly found in superficial soft tissue of upper and lower extremities, especially on hands, arms, and feet [8][9][10][11][12][13] . There is no predominant age group affected by the tumour specifically, as it occurs in a broad age range from 5 to 84 years with no sex predilection [12][13][14] . Differential diagnosis should include benign lesions such as GCT of tendon sheaths, cellular dermatofibroma with osteoclast-like giant cells, ossifying dermatofibroma with osteoclastlike giant cells, reparative giant-cell granuloma, nodular fasciitis, and brown tumour of hyperparathyroidism extending to soft tissues and malignant lesions like leiomyosarcoma with osteoclast-like giant cells, epithelioid sarcoma with giant cells, extra-skeletal osteosarcoma, atypical fibroxanthoma with osteoclast-like giant cells, and plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumour [15][16][17] .…”