Fifth Metatarsal Giant Cell Tumor in a 16-year-old girl: A Case

Report

Muhammad Nadhil Sunaryo Putra1, Sunaryo2

1 General Practitioner, Jasa Kartini Hospital, Tasikmalaya, West Java
2 Orthopaedic Specialist, Jasa Kartini Hospital, Tasikmalaya, West Java

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Giant cell tumor (GCT) or osteoclastoma is an osteolytic, mostly benign

but locally aggressive tumor. It usually occurs in young adults of 20-40 years in the
epiphysis region of the long bone, with a female predominance. Involvement of small
bones of hand and foot is very rare. The objective of this clinical case report is to highlight
a case of GCT localized to fifth metatarsal in a 16-year-old girl which is a very rare entity.

History of current illness: A 16-year-old girl presented with chief complaint swelling
over the dorsum of her left foot for 2 years. The swelling was insidious in onset and had
progressively increased in size. There was no history of any constitutional symptoms and
trauma. On examination revealed swelling over the dorsum of left foot 5th metatarsal with
well-defined margins, without any sign of inflammation. The swelling was painless, firm in
consistency, and the overlying skin was not tethered. Radiograph finding revealed an
osteolytic lesion of 5th metatarsal, with the classical “soap bubble appearance”. Surgery
by excision, and curettage was performed. Histopathology of the tissue showed
numerous osteoclast-like giant cells uniformly distributed with no malignant features.

Interesting point for discussion: Giant cell tumor in this location and age group are
rare. They should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a destructive bony lesion
in skeletally immature patients.