Operative therapy of giant cell tumor of bone invading base of skull and maxillofacial region (report of 3 cases)

Abstract

Objective To explore the diagnosis and operative therapy of giant cell tumor of bone invading base of skull and maxillofacial region. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 3 patients with giant cell tunlor of bone invading base of skull and maxillofacial region and summarized the key to diagnosis,differential diagnosis and operative experience of this disease.The tumors were located at the bottom of the middle cranial fossa and outwards invaded the maxillofacial region with cranial nerve signs and alteration of facial features as their clinical symptoms.Dilatation and destructive growth in the pathological region was showed by CT and MRI.Operative therapy was performed in all of the 3 patients and radiation therapy was performed in 2 after the operative therapy.Results Improvement was achieved in 3 and the tumor was confirmed to be giant cell tumor of bone by pathology.Follow-up showed 1 recurrence with slow growth and 1 with no obvious recurrence.Conclusion The diagnosis of giant cell tumor of bone invading base of skull and maxillofacial region can be made through analyzing its growth characteristic, cranial nerve sign and its imaging features.Operation is the first option and radiotherapy is still under discussion for giant cell tumor of bone. Key words: Skull base; Giant cell tumor of bone; Neurosurgery