Giant Cell Tumour of Spine - A Rare Case

ABSTRACT

Spine is an unusual site for giant cell tumour (GCT). The largest of the series was published by Dahlin in the year 1977. Giant cell tumour of the spine is most aggressive benign tumour of the spine with unpredictable outcome. We report a case of 29 years old male patient with giant cell tumour of spine, clinically diagnosed as spinal tuberculosis. Patient presented with cord compression and neurological deficits in upper limb. Patient presented with clinical as well as radiological instability.Giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone is a rare neoplasm that accounts for approximately 5 % of all primary bone tumours in adults.1 GCT most frequently occurs at the end of long bones.2 Giant cell tumour also occurs in the mobile spine, but this location accounts for only 2 - 4 % of cases.3 In all locations, the neoplasm occurs most commonly between the ages of 20 - 45 years and it affects males and females with equal frequency.1 It is the most aggressive of the benign primary tumours of the spine,4 with a high predilection for recurrence. Due to the unusual site and nonspecific symptoms Giant cell tumour of spine is a challenge to the treating surgeons. We report a case of giant cell tumour cervical vertebrae where in patient presented with signs and symptoms of cord compression and was provisionally diagnosed as tuberculosis spine.