Giant cell tumor of bone in children and adolescents.

Abstract

Giant cell tumor of bone rarely affects children, in whom it is usually located in a metaphysis in contrast to the predominantly epiphyseal localization in adults. Five cases are reported, two at the femur, two at the fibula and one at the tibia. Plain film radiography and computed tomography are the most informative imaging studies. The differential diagnosis is with aneurysmal bone cyst and, in metaphyseal-epiphyseal forms, with chondroblastoma. Treatment usually consists in curettage of the tumor followed by filling of the cavity; however, more extensive resection is required in some cases.