Osteoclastic Giant Cell-Rich Tumors

Abstract

Giant cell-rich lesions encompass a wide range of lesions that are characterized by the presence of numerous multinucleated osteoclast-like giant cells. A wide spectrum of diseases may fall into this category, from nonneoplastic to neoplastic lesions and benign to malignant lesions. In this chapter, we will limit our discussion to giant cell lesions of the small bone (more commonly known as giant cell reparative granuloma) and giant cell tumor of the bone. Giant cell lesion of the small bone (GCLSB) is not a neoplastic condition but a reactive process consisting of hemorrhage, fibroblasts, multinucleated giant cells, and reactive bone formation. Giant cell tumor of the bone is a relatively common, benign bone tumor that commonly occurs at the ends of long bones. It is composed of mononuclear stromal cells and multinucleated giant cells.