Malignant giant cell tumor definition - medical term
A type of bone tumor characterized by massive
destruction of bone near the end (epiphysis) of a long bone. The site most commonly
struck by this tumor is the knee -- the far end of the femur and the near end of
the tibia. The tumor is often coated by new bony growth. It causes pain and restricts
movement. Treatment is by surgery, usually followed by chem otherapy.
There is no evidence that the tumor cells themselves are capable of bone destruction;
instead, the tumor cells stimulate the formation of cells that function like osteoclasts
and resorb bone.
The term "giant cell" reflects the fact that osteoclasts are large multinucleate
cells (cells with more than one nucleus) that look gigantic when viewed magnified
through a microscope.
Malignant giant cell tumor, known also as giant cell tumor of bone, has been
osteoclastoma, reflecting the long-held incorrect view that the tumor cells are
themselves osteoclasts.
Common Misspellings: malignant giant cell tumour, malignant giant cell tumur
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