Giant-cell tumor of bone should be differentiated from all other lesions which also contain multinuclear giant cells, including solitary bone cyst, non-osteogenic fibroma, aneurysmal bone cyst, chondromyxoid fibroma of bone, benign chondroblastoma, and the 'brown tumors' sometimes found in hyperparathyroidism. The giant-cell tumor of bone is clinically, anatomically, and cytologically a distinctive neoplasm. The pathologist who depends entirely upon the microscopic examination and ignores the clinical history and roentgenographic examination will make many errors of diagnosis.

Irradiation as a primary or total plan of treatment of giant-cell tumors of bone is neither certain of cure nor free from danger. The larger giant-cell tumors cannot be destroyed by irradiation without severe damage to adjacent tissues. Most giant-cell tumors may be adequately and safely treated by surgery, followed in some instances by irradiation therapy.5, 8, 12, 13

Copyright 1953 by The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Incorporated