Giant cell tumor of dorsal spine: A rare case report

Abstract

Giant cell tumor is a relatively rare neoplasm. In GCT the axial skeleton is extremely rarely involved. Most GCT arises in the meta-epiphyseal ends of the long bones. Peak incidence is between 30 to 40 years of age. GCT is usually classified as benign, but shows aggressive behavior and occasionally undergo transformation to malignancy. The patients with GCT in the spine often complain of the lower back pains, as the tumors primarily involve the sacrum. We report a case of an adolescent female complaining of the upper back pain with a sudden weakness of the lower extremities, later diagnosed with the GCT of the D8 vertebra. The present patient was operated using posterior lateral approach of spine and proper rehabilitation was done. Subsequent follow up revealed improvement in carrying out her daily activities.