Bone Cancer Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Bone Cancer, including details on symptoms, types, treatment.

Giant cell tumor of the spine.

Luther N, Bilsky MH, Härtl R

Department of Neurological Surgery, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell, Room A-969, 525 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA.

Giant cell tumors are benign but locally aggressive neoplasms that typically affect the extremities. When involving the spine, the tumors occur predominantly in the sacrum. Gross total resection of the tumor with wide margins yields good results in terms of survival. However, it carries a significant potential for morbidity and disability. Subtotal resection with adjuvant radiation carries a risk for recurrence or, more concerning, sarcomatous malignant transformation. Endovascular tumor embolizations have also been attempted to control unresectable tumors, and have been performed with moderate degrees of success. Outcomes are analyzed outcomes following surgery, radiation therapy, and tumor embolization.

Published 24 December 2007 in Neurosurg Clin N Am, 19(1): 49-55.
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