Giant cell rich osteosarcoma of the mandible with abundant spindle cells and osteoclast-like giant cells mimicking malignancy in giant cell tumor.

ABSTRACT

Giant cell rich osteosarcoma is a relatively unusual histological form of osteosarcoma, common lesion usually presenting in the long bones of the appendicular skeleton. The occurrence in the mandible is exceptional rare. Histologically, this tumor tends to be a highly anaplastic, pleomorphic tumor in which the tumor cells may be plasmacytoid, fusiform, ovoid, small round cells, clear cells, mono-or multinucleated giant cells, or, spindle cells. Herein, we present a case with the sternum and first thoracic vertebra metastasis from primary giant cell rich osteosarcoma of the mandible in a 28 year-old Chinese female. The tumor was predominantly composed of abundant spindle cells with marked atypia and numerous osteoclast-like giant cells reminiscent of malignancy in giant cell tumor. The unusual histological appearance can pose a great diagnostic challenge. It may be easily misdiagnosed, especially if the specimen is limited or from fine-needle aspiration.