Polypoid Giant Cell Tumor of the Skin

Abstract

Giant cell tumor of soft tissue is a rare neoplasm named for its resemblance to giant cell tumor of bone. According to World Health Organization classification of soft tissue tumors, it belongs to the category of the so-called fibrohistiocytic tumors of intermediate malignancy, characterized by frequent local recurrences unless widely excised, but only rarely metastases to lymph nodes and lungs. Cutaneous presentation is extremely rare. We described a case occurring in a 79-year-old woman who presented with a nodular, polypoid, ulcerated lesion on the paranasal region. The histomorphological features were consistent with the diagnosis of primary giant cell tumor of the skin. Clinical informations and immunohistochemistry are useful in distinguishing this neoplasm from other neoplastic and reactive lesions of the superficial soft tissues containing giant cells.