Clinical outcome in Giant cell tumor of cervico-thoracic spine: Our experience with three cases.

BACKGROUND

Giant cell tumor (GCT) of the spine is uncommon but most aggressive benign tumor of the spine with unpredictable outcome. The purpose of this study was to report on a surgical treatment for the cases of GCT (C2, T4 and C7-T1). The spine is not a common site for a Benign GCT, with a 2.5% incidence in the sacrum and 2.9% in the vertebrae above the sacrum. In the cervico-thoracic spine, the incidence is extremely low and has been reported very less in the literature.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This study was conducted on 3 cases of GCT of the spine and evaluated the outcome of different treatment modalities retrospectively. All the cases were treated with intralesional surgical resection but only one developed recurrence.

RESULTS

Cord compression and neurological deficits of varying grades was observed in all the cases. All patients also presented with clinical as well as radiological instability. Overall results were satisfactory, as all patients were symptom-free postoperatively. One out of the three cases had tumour recurrence and needed repeat intervention.

CONCLUSION

Giant cell tumour of cervico-thoracic spine is a rare entity and should be managed Surgically with en bloc/extralesional resection but due to risk of surrounding neurovascular structures damage they are managed by marginal resection therefore since total resection is not possible there are high chances of recurrences, Hence require close monitoring and follow up for early diagnosis and appropriate management.