Diseases
giant cell tumor
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
A giant cell tumor (GCT) is a noncancerous growth. They don’t usually spread to other parts of your body, but they typically damage surrounding tissues. They often start in your bones or in the lining of your joints. To treat a GCT, your healthcare provider usually removes the growth with surgery.
Symptoms
- a noticeable bump or lump.
- pain that worsens with movement.
- swelling.
- fractures, as the gct weakens the bone around it.
Causes
- giant cell tumors usually occur for no known reason. if you have a condition called hyperparathyroidism, you may be more likely to get multiple gcts throughout your body.
- tgcts develop when there’s a change in your chromosomes. chromosomes are the central part of your cell that contains dna
Risk factors
- gcts of the bone are slightly more common in women
- younger people are also more likely to get giant cell tumors
Diagnosis
- imaging tests, such as an x-ray, ct scan or mri, look at your bone or cartilage
- bone scans use a safe radioactive dye and imaging scans to look for a bone gct.
- biopsy, takes a small tissue sample to examine in a lab for signs of a gct.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is giant cell tumor?
A giant cell tumor (GCT) is a noncancerous growth. They don’t usually spread to other parts of your body, but they typically damage surrounding tissues. They often start in your bones or in the lining of your joints. To treat a GCT, your healthcare provider usually removes the growth with surgery.
What are the symptoms of giant cell tumor?
a noticeable bump or lump., pain that worsens with movement., swelling., fractures, as the gct weakens the bone around it.
What causes giant cell tumor?
giant cell tumors usually occur for no known reason. if you have a condition called hyperparathyroidism, you may be more likely to get multiple gcts throughout your body.; tgcts develop when there’s a change in your chromosomes. chromosomes are the central part of your cell that contains dna
Which medicines are used for giant cell tumor?
denosumab
Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app
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