PRIMARY GIANT CELL TUMORS OF THE VERTEBRAE

Abstract

Tumors developing from the vertebral column are more common than those developing from the meninges or cord. The metastatic outnumber the primary growths, as is indicated by the figures published in 1898 relating to 107 tumors of the vertebrae: carcinoma, fifty-four cases; sarcoma, thirty-four; osteoma, ten; myeloma, six; chondroma (chondrosarcoma), two, and myxoma, one. It is difficult to determine the frequency with which giant cell tumors occur in the vertebrae. It has been suggested that they may be mistaken for tuberculosis. The few case reports that have been published would seem to indicate that such tumors are uncommon. Bloodgood, in his latest communication dealing with giant cell tumors, reported seventy-seven cases. Since this report appeared, almost a year ago now, Codman has sent him the registered cases, so that these, with the new cases which he has, total 179. Five of these tumors occurred in the vertebrae. REPORT OF AUTHOR'S