Giant cell tumor of bone of temporal bone and skull base: report of 6 cases

Abstract

Objective

Five cases of giant cell tumor of bone (GCTB) in the head and neck region were reported, with a main focus on the radiological findings to identify common characteristics for the diagnosis of GCTB in these sites.

Materials and methods

Five consecutive patients diagnosed with GCTB were retrospectively selected. Radiological features on conventional and advanced MR sequences and CT were analyzed. HE staining and immunohistochemical examination were performed using antibodies against p63 and CD68.

Results

The common clinical features were local mass (3/5), tinnitus (3/5) and headache (2/5). Radiologically, all the cases were well-circumscribed osteolytic lesion, majority of cases demonstrated an expansile growth pattern and “soap bubble” appearance on CT (4/5). On MRI, the tumors showed predominantly hypointensity both on T1WI and T2WI, and no evidence of restricted diffusion on DWI. Intratumoral hemorrhage (2/5), cystic alternation (2/5) and very low signal on T2WI in the periphery region of the tumor (4/5) was found. Fluid–fluid level was noted in one case, which was eventually verified to be GCTB with secondary aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC). With contrast agent, all the cases showed striking (3/5) or mild to intermediate (2/5) enhancement.

Conclusions

Although the above described radiological findings are not specific for GCTB in head and neck region, a well-defined osteolytic lesion in the bones of head and neck region with “soap bubble” appearance on CT and hypointensity on T2WI with very low signal in the peripheral region of the tumor on MRI highly suggest GCTB for patient ages 20 to 40.