[Giant cell-containing tumors of bone and differential diagnoses].

Abstract

Osteoclastic giant cells represent acommon cellular component of lesions arising in bone. Highlighting this morphological finding, the current WHO classification of bone tumors defines adiagnostic group comprising aneurysmal bone cyst, giant cell tumor of bone and non-ossifying fibroma, which may display morphologic similarities while being distinct with regard to molecular and biological features. Starting with these tumors - putting afocus on lesions arising in bone - this article gives asurvey of other (chondrogenic and osteogenic) tumors that frequently contain osteoclastic giant cells, which may, particularly in small biopsies, enter differential diagnosis. Overlapping features with selected giant cell-containing soft tissue tumors, which may be of differential diagnostic relevance in daily routine, are discussed.