GIANT-CELL TUMOR OF BONE IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Giant cell tumor of bone rarely affects children, in whom it is usuall y located in a metaphysis in contrast to the predominantly epiphyseal localization in adults, Five cases are reported, two at the femur, two at the fibula and one at the tibia, Plain film radiography and comput ed tomography are the most informative imaging studies, The differenti al diagnosis is with aneurysmal bone cyst and, in metaphyseal-epiphyse al forms, with chondroblastoma. Treatment usually consists in curettag e of the tumor followed by filling of the cavity; however, more extens ive resection is required in some cases.