Metachronous multicentric giant cell tumour of bone in a 12-year-old girl: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

While giant cell tumour of bone is a relatively common tumour in adults, it is exceedingly rare in children. Multicentric metachronous giant cell tumour is an even rarer presentation of this tumour in skeletally immature patients. We present here the challenges in management of this rare tumour. A 12-year-old girl presented with a giant cell tumour affecting four different bones sequentially, three times within a 3-year period. The disease first appeared in the right distal fibula, then a year later in ipsilateral talus and calcaneus and finally a year later, in the T5 vertebral body, all requiring surgical treatment. Our strategy was to manage this lesion aggressively based on the limited literature available and present our own long-term surveillance strategy. Our patient responded well to treatment each time and has remained disease-free for 24 months from her last surgery. This is a rare case of metachronous multicentric giant cell tumour of bone in a skeletally immature patient requiring aggressive treatment and surveillance.