A giant cell tumor (GCT) is a noncancerous growth. They don’t usually spread to other parts of your body, but they typically damage surrounding tissues. They often start in your bones or in the lining of your joints. To treat a GCT, your healthcare provider usually removes the growth with surgery.
A giant cell tumor (GCT) is a type of noncancerous (benign) growth (tumor). GCTs aren’t cancer, so they don’t usually spread to other parts of your body; although very rarely, they can spread to your lungs. But they may grow quickly and damage surrounding tissues, as they’re considered a locally aggressive tumor.
You may have a giant cell tumor at the end of one of your bones. These tumors often grow near your knee, either at the bottom of your thigh (femur) or the top of your shin (tibia). GCTs that grow in the soft tissues are called tenosynovial giant cell tumor (TGCT). TGCTs are also locally aggressive, but they’re even less likely to spread than GCTs.
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No. Both giant cell tumors and sarcomas are growths in your bones or soft tissues. Sarcomas are cancer, and GCTs aren’t.
Giant cell tumors get their name because of how they look under a microscope. When viewed up close, giant cell tumors look like clusters of irregularly large cells.
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GCTs of the bone are slightly more common in women. Younger people are also more likely to get giant cell tumors:
Giant cell tumors are rare. Experts estimate that each year about:
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Giant cell tumors usually occur for no known reason. If you have a condition called hyperparathyroidism, you may be more likely to get multiple GCTs throughout your body.
TGCTs develop when there’s a change in your chromosomes. Chromosomes are the central part of your cell that contains DNA. Experts don’t know what causes the chromosome change that leads to TGCT.
Pain is the most common sign of a giant cell tumor in your bone. The pain may be mild at first, but usually worsens as the tumor grows. You may also have:
TGCT symptoms affect the joint where the growth is. Usually, the first sign of a TGCT is pain or swelling around one joint. You may also have:
Over time, your joint may feel unstable. Large TGCTs may cause your cartilage to wear away. Cartilage is the tissue that cushions and protects your bones. Over time, cartilage breakdown leads to arthritis.
Diagnostic tests, including radiology scans, help diagnose a giant cell tumor. Your healthcare provider may use:
Usually, healthcare providers treat both bone and tenosynovial giant cell tumors with surgery:
If your healthcare provider can’t safely remove the entire tumor with surgery, you may have nonsurgical treatments, such as:
Experts don’t know what causes giant cell tumors, so there’s no way to prevent them. If you notice pain, swelling or a lump around one of your bones or joints, see your healthcare provider. GCTs are often easier to treat when they’re found early.
The outlook for a giant cell tumor varies depending on the tumor size, location and your overall health. After treatment, you’ll have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. If the tumor comes back, these visits increase the chances of finding and treating it early.
Giant cell tumors are rarely life-threatening. But they can damage your bones and tissues. If you have any signs of a giant cell tumor, it’s important to see your healthcare provider right away. If available to you, you may wish to see an orthopaedic oncologist, who specializes in bone cancer.
You might want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Giant cell tumors (GCTs) are noncancerous growths. They commonly start in your bones or in the tissues that surround your joints. Although GCTs aren’t cancer, they can damage your bones and tissues. You may have pain, swelling, stiffness or catching sensations when you move. Usually, GCT treatment involves surgery to remove the growth.
Last reviewed on 02/10/2022.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy