Giant Cell Tumor of Soft Tissue Masquerading as a Fibroma - A Rare Clinical Entity

Abstract

Giant cell tumor of the soft tissue (GCT-ST) is a rare and distinctive entity, separate from its bony counterpart, giant cell tumor of bone. This primary soft tissue tumor is often encountered in middle-aged individuals but rarely in children, with common sites including superficial soft tissue of the extremities. GCT-ST typically presents as a painless, slowly growing mass, emphasizing the importance of complete excision to prevent recurrences and metastasis.

We present a case of GCT-ST in a 7-year-old boy with a nodular swelling on the right hip, initially suspected to be a fibroma. Histopathological examination revealed characteristic features of GCT-ST, including spindle and stellate cells, multinucleated giant cells, and haemosiderin-laden macrophages with metaplastic osseous tissue. This case adds to the limited literature on GCT-ST, highlighting its diverse clinical presentations and challenging diagnostic nature.

The discussion includes a review of reported cases of GCT-ST, which have shown varied clinical presentations and outcomes. Histologically, GCT-ST resembles a giant cell tumor of bone, with positive staining for CD68, SMA, Vimentin, and p63. Imaging studies typically reveal a solid hemorrhagic mass. Differential diagnoses include benign and malignant soft tissue tumors rich in giant cells.