Giant cell tumor of the rib

Jpn J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2002 May;50(5):224-6. doi: 10.1007/BF03032292.

Abstract

In a rare case of a giant cell tumor of rib origin, a 25-year-old woman to be evaluated for an abnormal mass shadow in chest radiography was strongly positive in a tuberculin skin test, but showed no evidence of active tuberculosis. Chest computed tomography showed a heterogeneous mass originating in the posterior end of the right fourth rib and containing multiple calcifications and cystic lesions. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a high signal intensity with low signal intensity areas. Bone scintigraphy showed an abnormal marked accumulation at the tumor site. A thoracoscopic examination was conducted prior to complete tumor resection, including the fourth rib and related muscles. The pathological diagnosis returned was a giant cell tumor of the bone. The patient did not undergo chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and remains well, and tumor-free at 6 months after surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Bone Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Tumors / diagnosis
  • Giant Cell Tumors / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Ribs*
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed