Giant Cell Tumor of the Lateral Skull Base: Diagnostic and Management Options

Giant cell tumor of bone of temporal bone and skull base: report of 6 cases

OBJECTIVE

Five cases of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the head and neck region were reported, with a main focus on the radiological findings to identify common characteristics for the diagnosis of GCTB in these sites.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five consecutive patients diagnosed with GCTB were retrospectively selected. Radiological features on conventional and advanced MR sequences and CT were analyzed. HE staining and immunohistochemical examination were performed using antibodies against p63 and CD68.

RESULTS

The common clinical features were local mass (3/5), tinnitus (3/5) and headache (2/5). Radiologically, all the cases were well-circumscribed osteolytic lesion, majority of cases demonstrated an expansile growth pattern and "soap bubble" appearance on CT (4/5). On MRI, the tumors showed predominantly hypointensity both on T1WI and T2WI, and no evidence of restricted diffusion on DWI. Intratumoral hemorrhage (2/5), cystic alternation (2/5) and very low signal on T2WI in the periphery region of the tumor (4/5) was found. Fluid-fluid level was noted in one case, which was eventually verified to be GCTB with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). With contrast agent, all the cases showed striking (3/5) or mild to intermediate (2/5) enhancement.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the above described radiological findings are not specific for GCTB in head and neck region, a well-defined osteolytic lesion in the bones of head and neck region with "soap bubble" appearance on CT and hypointensity on T2WI with very low signal in the peripheral region of the tumor on MRI highly suggest GCTB for patient ages 20 to 40.

The Role of Denosumab Treatment in Recurrent Giant Cell Bone Tumor of the Orbit

Giant cell tumor of the bone (GCTB) is a rare primary bone neoplasm, representing about 5% of all primary bone tumors. Most GCTBs are found in the epiphysis of long bones, with only 2% of GCTBs involving the skull. In recent years, the receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa ligand monoclonal antibody denosumab has been demonstrated as a promising therapeutic option for GCTB; however, this is an evolving field. We present a case of a 57-year-old female with a rare GCTB in the right orbit and sinuses, originally thought to be an aneurysmal bone cyst. Her symptoms included proptosis, intermittent blurry vision, sinus congestion, and frontal headaches. After excision, the tumor recurred within 18 months. Upon repeat excision, a diagnosis of GCTB was made. The patient started denosumab therapy and had no tumor growth over the ensuing 2 years, with stability of symptoms and clinical signs on follow-up.

Giant Cell Tumor of the Central Skull Base

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is an uncommon indolent tumor, typically occurring in the meta-epiphysis of long bones in young adults. GCT arising in the clivus is exceedingly rare, and even more uncommon in the pediatric population. We present a case of a 13-year-old patient diagnosed with a large GCT in the clivus. Initial clinical and radiographic findings were suspicious for a GCT, although other more common skull base tumors were also considered in the differential diagnosis. Certain key radiographic features suggested the diagnosis of a GCT, including the low T2 signal within the mass on MRI and the T2 hypointense rim corresponding with a cortical shell present on CT. An endoscopic biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. This report highlights the unique diagnostic challenges and broad differential in this case while underscoring the role of imaging in detection and precise anatomic delineation that helps guide therapeutic decisions and improve patient prognosis.

Malignant Brain and Spinal Tumors Originating from Bone or Cartilage

Malignant bone tumors affecting the brain and spine are a rare and exceedingly difficult-to-treat group of diseases. Most commonly consisting of chordoma and chondrosarcoma, these tumors also include giant-cell tumors and osteosarcomas. This chapter will cover the background, epidemiology, genetics, molecular biology, histopathology, radiographic features, clinical manifestations, therapeutic approaches, and clinical management of each entity.

A Large Cavernous Sinus Giant Cell Tumor Invading Clivus and Sphenoid Sinus Masquerading as Meningioma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the bone is a rare benign, locally aggressive tumor that occurs in the epiphysis of long bones, especially the lower femur and the upper tibia. GCT of the bone of cranial origin is very rare, accounting for 1% of all GCT of the bone. We report the diagnosis, treatment, and immunohistochemistry of a rare case of intracranial GCT of the bone. We also review and summarize the imaging features, diagnostic markers, and current major treatment options for GCT of the bone. Our case and literature review emphasizes the importance of considering the full picture when making a diagnosis, rather than relying on imaging alone to make the diagnosis.

A single-center experience with giant cell tumors of sphenoid bone and clivus

OBJECTIVE

To present pathologic, clinical, and treatment findings for giant cell tumors (GCTs) of sphenoid bone and clivus.

METHODS

We describe the optimal treatment algorithm in patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of bone GCT by presenting the effects of denosumab treatment in both pediatric and adult patients with GCT undergoing endoscopic transnasal surgery. Clinicopathologic correlation is crucial for the differential diagnosis of GCT and the choice of treatment modality.

CONCLUSION

GCT of bone is a local aggressive tumor that accounts for about 3%-7% of all bone tumors. GCTs located in the cranium are extremely uncommon neoplasms. There are no defined guidelines for the treatment of GCTs in skull base. Following surgical resection of the tumor, the addition of denosumab treatments to radiotherapy has a significant role in preventing the recurrence of GCT and in promoting regression of residual tumor size.

Hemorrhagic Giant Cell Tumor of the Occipital Skull Base: A Case Report and Literature Review

Giant cell tumor of bone is a benign but locally aggressive osteolytic neoplasm that represents 3% to 5% of all primary bone tumors, primarily found at the epiphyses of long bones. Less than 1% are of calvarial origin. Herein, we report a rare case of a nine-year-old girl with a hemorrhagic giant cell tumor of the left occipital skull base.

Dosing interval adjustment of denosumab for the treatment of giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone: A case report

Background:

In the treatment of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB), the efficacy and safety of denosumab, a receptor activator nuclear factor κ-B ligand inhibitor, has previously been demonstrated, especially for unresectable tumors. One of the current issues in denosumab treatment for unresectable GCTB is whether it can be discontinued, or whether the dosage or the dosing interval can safely be adjusted, if discontinuation is not possible, to avoid the occurrence of side effects.

Case Description:

A 15-year-old boy with diplopia was referred to our hospital after a space-occupying lesion in the sphenoid bone was found on head CT. Partial removal of the tumor was performed through an endoscopic endonasal approach, and pathological diagnosis was confirmed as GCTB. Thereafter, the patient received 120 mg subcutaneous injections of denosumab every 28 days for the first 2 years. Since bone formation was induced and sustained along with tumor reduction, the dosing interval was gradually extended, with 4 monthly dosing for the next 1 year, followed by 6 monthly dosing for the succeeding 2 years. With the extension of the dosing interval, the ossified tumor has regrown slightly, but within an acceptable range.

Conclusion:

Discontinuation of denosumab treatment for unresectable GCTB was not thought to be possible for the current case due to the nature of the drug, as reported in the literature. Extending the dosing interval up to 6 monthly, as could be done safely in the current case, can be considered a useful and appropriate measure.

Giant Cell Tumor: Changing Behavior from Intraorbital to Intraosseous Mass

Purpose

To present a patient with giant cell tumor (GCT) of the orbit by changing behavior from an intraorbital mass to an intraosseous tumor.

Methods

A 16-year-old boy presented with pain, swelling, erythematous of the left upper and lower eyelids, proptosis, and diplopia. Ophthalmic examination revealed chemosis, conjunctival injection, limited elevation, depression as well as abduction in the left eye.

Results

Multislice computed tomography scan (CT scan) of the orbit and paranasal sinuses showed a hyperdense, oval, extraconal mass with bone erosion. Magnetic resonance imaging of the orbit showed an inferior lateral isointense, oval, extraconal mass that had indented the globe. The patient underwent superior lateral orbitotomy, and the orbital mass was excised. Two months later, the patient developed proptosis, severe chemosis, and eyelid erythema in the same eye. CT scan showed an intraosseous mass in the lateral wall of the orbit that had pushed the globe anteromedially. Intraosseous tumor was resected, and the lateral orbital wall was drilled during the second surgery. GCT was diagnosed based on pathological survey.

Conclusion

Following the resection of the orbital GCT, the tumor behavior may change to an intraosseous lesion.

Surgical Management of Giant Cell Tumor Involving the Lateral Skull Base

The aim of the study is to discuss the current management options for intra- and extra-cranial communication giant cell tumor of the lateral skull base and perform a review of the literature. A total of 6 patients with giant cell tumor of the lateral skull base were retrospectively enrolled in the study. The principal complaints, imaging manifestations, surgical resection and reconstruction of intra- and extra-cranial communication defects for the diseases were discussed. There were 2 males and 4 females. The most of principal complaints were discomfort or pain in the temporomandibular joint in 5 cases (83.3%). Imaging examination showed invasion of the temporal bone alone in 3 cases (50.0%) and both temporal bone and sphenoid bone involvement in 3 cases (50.0%). C-shaped preauricular infratemporal fossa approach was used for tumour removal and gross total resection was done in all 6 cases. The pedicled temporal muscle fascial flap was used to reconstruct the intra- and extra-cranial communication defect of the lateral skull base. The conclusion is that giant cell tumor is a benign tumor but is also locally aggressive. Gross total resection is the most commonly recommended treatment choice for giant cell tumor of the skull and can achieve good treatment outcomes. The temporalis muscle flap is a good alternative choice for reconstruction of the defect.