What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Giant Cell Tumor of Low Malignant Potential
• Osteoclastoma of Soft Tissue
• Soft Tissue Giant Cell Tumor of Low Malignant Potential

What is Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue? (Definition/Background Information)

• Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue (GCT-ST) is a low-grade soft tissue tumor occurring just below the skin and sometimes, extending deep into the tissues. The tumor is usually hard and painless
• GCT-ST usually affects the upper and lower limbs; other tumor areas include the trunk, head, and shoulder region
• Middle-aged adults are usually affected by this tumor type
• Small tumors below the skin are easily excised surgically; in such cases, the prognosis is excellent

Who gets Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue lesions are generally present during the mid-adult phase of life (between 40-50 years)
• However, it has a wide age range of appearance (between 5-89 years), with children to older adults being affected
• Both males and females are equally affected
• There is no ethnic or racial preference noticed

What are the Risk Factors for Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue? (Predisposing Factors)

No risk factors are evident; though, it is suggested that Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue may be associated with trauma and/or Paget’s disease of the bone.

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue formation is unknown
• These tumors are thought to occur spontaneously

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue?

Signs and symptoms of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue may include the following:

• GCT-STs are slow-growing, small, soft tissue tumors, occurring mostly below the skin surface. But, sometimes they are found deep inside the body tissues
• The tumors normally appear as a painless mass
• Most common sites of these lesions are the upper and lower limbs (in 70% of the cases). Other locations include the trunk (27%), and head and neck region (in a minority of the cases)
• Unusually, GCT-STs have been found to be associated with surgical scars

How is Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue may involve:

• Physical exam with evaluation of medical history
• X-ray of the affected tissue: Due to peripheral calcification of the tumor (occurring in 50% of the cases), it may be visible on an x-ray
• CT scan, MRI scan of the affected region
• Histopathological studies conducted on a biopsy specimen - the specimen is examined under a microscope by a pathologist, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue?

Complications of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue may include:

• The tumor recurrence rate after surgery is high - if surgery does not ensure a complete removal of the tumor
• Metastasis can occur and this may lead to life-threatening situations. However, this is an extremely rare occurrence
• Damage of vital nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures, during surgery

How is Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue Treated?

Treatment measures for Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue include the following:

• Surgical excision with complete removal of the entire lesion is normally sufficient treatment
• If there is any pain, it is controlled through pain medications
• In order to prevent tumor recurrence, radiation therapy may be administered
• For both surgical intervention and radiation therapy, the age and health condition of the individual has to be taken into consideration
• Post-operative care is important: A minimum activity level is to be ensured, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with blood tests, radiological scans, and physical examinations, are mandatory for those who have been diagnosed with the tumor
• Due to both its metastasizing potential and chances of recurrence, often several years of active follow-up vigilance is necessary

What is the Prognosis of Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Prognosis is generally excellent when Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue lesions are small and found below the skin surface. In such cases, their recurrence risk can be completely avoided with complete surgical excisions
• The probability of GCT-ST recurrence depends on the location of the tumor. Tumors that are located in the skin, or near the skin surface, have a lower probability of recurrence. If the tumors are deeps seated, then their probability of recurrence is higher (up to 45%)
• Due to this high recurrence factor, especially with deep-seated tumors and a potential risk of metastasis, it becomes strongly necessary that periodic follow-up with regular medical screenings are undertaken

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue:

• Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue is known as the soft tissue tumor equivalent of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone by many medical professionals.
• GCT-ST is characterized by a hard bone-like peripheral capsule. These slow-growing tumors are generally solid, well-defined, and they normally do not present any pain