Spinal Giant Cell Tumor in Neurospine Surgery: A Narrative Study

Abstract

Background and Aim: Spinal Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) is a primary low-grade malignant aggressive tumor of the spine and is more prevalent in the third and fourth decades of life. Spinal GCT frequently occurs in the sacrum. The most common presentation of spinal GCT is pain. Spinal GCT is seldom observed as an asymptomatic, incidental radiological occurrence. Based on the clinic-radiological findings, differential diagnoses of spinal GCT are Aneurismal Bone Cyst (ABC), plasmacytoma, symptomatic hemangioma, and Tuberculosis (TB). A biopsy is crucial for a definitive diagnosis. Because of the rich vascular supply about 24 hours prior to operation, Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) with tumor embolization is recommended. The treatment of choice for these tumors is complete, extralesional surgical resection which is not usually possible. General treatment is resorted as incomplete partial resection following local radiotherapy. The method of choice for reconstruction is cement or metallic cages and because of the high recurrence rate, bone graft is avoided. The local recurrence rate in the spinal column is lower than in other areas. Methods and Materials/Patients: The spinal GCT incidence, manifestations, diagnosis, and management were concisely reviewed. Using the keywords of GCT, GCT manifestations, GCT complications, GCT management, and GCT incidence, all the relevant articles were retrieved from Google Scholar, Medline, and PubMed, reviewed critically, and analyzed. Results: Spinal GCT rarely presents as an incidental finding in radiologic studies. Because of the high vascular supply of GCTs, preoperative embolization must be performed. The ideal treatment of spinal GCT is complete surgical tumor excision and when not possible, intralesional resection is an alternative treatment. The prognosis of spinal GCT is not good as other primary spinal tumors because of incomplete excision of the tumor and following high recurrence rate. Conclusion: Spinal GCTs are complex clinical entities. Operation is obligatory, and postoperative close follow-up is mandatory to stop recurrences early