Giant cell tumor of the clivus: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) mainly occur in metaphyses of long bones and are generally considered histologically benign; however, GCTs may be locally aggressive with a high rate of local recurrence and exhibit the potential for distant metastasis. Primary GCT of the clivus is extremely rare and is easily misdiagnosed and, thus, treatment remains controversial. The present report describes the case of a 22-year-old male with GCT located in the skull base originating from the clivus, with the involvement of multiple cranial nerves, which was successfully treated with transnasal transsphenoidal surgery following adjuvant radiotherapy and intravenous bisphosphonate administration. The patient remains symptom free at two years of follow-up. This report contributes to the limited literature regarding GCTs of the skull.