Tumor de células gigantes en un paciente pediátrico

Abstract

Introduction: Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a bone tumor that contains stroma of multinucleated giant cells that resemble osteoclasts. It is commonly located in the metaphysoepiphyseal region of a long tubular bone, and it generally presents in young adults. GCT is a benign tumor, the malignant type is called malignant GCT, and it is another pathological presentation. The presentation of GCT in the pediatric age is atypical, and therefore its timely diagnosis represents a challenge even for specialists. Clinical case: We  present the case of  a 15-year-old male patient who developed progressive and deep pain in the right knee, which increased until it became disabling. It was managed with symptomatic treatment for three months. Upon new evaluation and radiographic tests, a tumor was suspected. An incisional biopsy was performed, and the etiological diagnosis of a giant cell tumor was integrated. He received surgical treatment with curettage, cryosurgery, bone graft placement, autologous and heterologous, and flxation with a 10-hole LCP 4.5 reconstruction plate. Conclusions: This case shows that the giant cell tumor is not exclusive to adulthood. Although infrequent, diagnostic suspicion should exist in cases of chronic, continuous, and increasing pain, including pediatric patients. LUXMÉDICA AÑO 15, NÚMERO 45, SEPTIEMBRE-DICIEMBRE 2020, PP 55-61.