An unusual tumor of rib diaphysis-report of a giant cell tumor and a brief review of literature

Giant Cell Tumor of bone (GCT) is a benign but aggressive tumor, which forms about 4-5% of primary bone tumors and 1-2% of all chest wall tumors. It arises in the epiphysis of bones. The epiphysis of a rib is in its head and tubercle posteriorly and hence a GCT arising in a rib's anterior aspect, its diaphysis, is rare. In this unusual position, it can be mistaken for other more common diaphyseal pathologies. Radiological images are often diagnostic. A needle biopsy is best avoided and a wide excision biopsy is the treatment of choice. Microscopically, multinucleated giant cells are seen amidst stromal cells. Giant cells like these are also seen in other diseases like the brown tumor of primary hyperparathyroidism. Giant cell lesions are never caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism. We present a case of a diaphyseal GCT of rib in a patient with secondary hyperparathyroidism who was successfully treated. © 2011 Indian Association of Cardiovascular-Thoracic Surgeons.