Giant cell tumor of the sternum. Report of a case with a 17q isochromosome.

We report a case of giant cell tumor of the manubrium with radiological evidence of aggressiveness. Few cases of giant cell tumor of the sternum have been published. Extensive surgery offers the best hopes of recovery. Cytogenetic studies evidenced several clonal abnormalities including a 17q isochromosome. The TP53 suppressor gene is located at 17q13.1. Whether loss of one of the TP53 alleles may have contributed to the aggressive behavior of our patient's tumor is discussed.