by Bibianna Purgina, MD FRCPC
November 10, 2023
Giant cell tumour (GCT) of bone is a common type of bone tumour. It can start in almost any bone in the body. Although most GCTs of bone are considered benign (non-cancerous) tumours, they are locally aggressive and large tumours can cause the surrounding bone to break. Some tumours may grow beyond the bone and involve the surrounding tissues such as the muscle. Very rarely, a GCT of bone may become malignant (cancerous). A GCT of bone usually involves the ends of a bone. This type of tumour typically affects young adults.
How is this diagnosis made?
GCT of bone is typically diagnosed after a small sample of tissue is removed in a procedure called a biopsy. The tissue is then sent to a pathologist for examination under the microscope. Surgery may then be performed to remove the entire tumour.
What does a giant cell tumour of bone look like under the microscope?
When examined under the microscope, the tumour is made up of two kinds of cells: mononuclear cells (small cells with a single nucleus) and osteoclast-like giant cells (very large cells with multiple nuclei). Your pathologist will look for both mononuclear cells and osteoclast-like giant cells in the tissue sample before making the diagnosis of GCT of bone.
About this article
This article was written by doctors to help you read and understand your pathology report. Contact us if you have any questions about this article or your pathology report. Read this article for a more general introduction to the parts of a typical pathology report.
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