Giant Cell Tumor Masquerading as Lateral Meniscus Injury: A Case Report

Abstract

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a benign bone tumor with aggressive characteristics and capacity to metastasize. They are more common in the third decade of life and demonstrate a preference for being located in the epiphyseal region of long bones. They have a high local recurrence rate, which depends on the type of treatment and initial tumor presentation. Early detection of GCT is possible with proper clinical assessment and radiograph. However, due to its rarity, physicians may have neglected the possibility of bone tumor as one of the differential diagnosis for cases referred as “soft tissue injury”.We report a case of a 22-year-old lady who presented with seven-month-history of right knee pain, lateral joint line tenderness and positive McMurray test and initially treated as right lateral meniscus injury. However, the knee pain worsened over time and became persistent despite starting on physiotherapy and home-based-exercises. Upon subsequent visit two months later, she presented with tender bony swelling over the lateral tibial plateau and radiological examination revealed a lytic lesion over her proximal right tibia. Magnetic resonance imaging and histopathology testing confirmed the diagnosis of Giant cell tumor. This case report aims to increase the awareness of possible bone tumors in soft tissue injury cases and highlight the importance of detailed reassessment and reviewing diagnosis during each follow up.

International Journal of Human and Health Sciences Vol. 04 No. 02 April’20 Page : 148-151