Multiple pulmonary metastasis from histologically benign giant cell tumor of the right radial olecranon

Abstract

An unusual case of a benign giant cell tumor of bone with pulmonary metastasis is reported. A 23-year-old man had a painful tumor in the right radial olecranon that proved to be a histologically benign giant cell tumor. Curettage and bone-grafting were performed, but the tumor recurred twice, 8 months and 20 months after initial treatment. Histological examination of biopsy materials from the recurring tumor showed typical benign giant cell tumors. Five years later, wedge resections were performed for bilateral pulmonary nodules, which had been detected by chance. The pulmonary nodules turned out to be histologically similar to the primary tumor of the olecranon. Almost 7 years later, he was asymptomatic and the chest radiograph was clear, and there was no local recurrence of the lesion.