Q Hi, im 24 yrs of age, single, nurse by profession. Id undergone surgery( curettage+bone grafting) for giant cell tumor of bone(in proximal tibia) for the first time in december 2008. Histopathological report was of gct.then it recurred again in 2011 june. Again they did the same, curettage+bone grafting. And again it recurred for the third time, july 2012. Now theyd done curettage+bone cementing. I walks normally(except little pain due to continous surgery). No other issues. I go for follow up once in 6 months. Doctor told that, if it doesnt reccur till 2 years, i shall go for another surgery for replacing the cement with bone graft. My doubt is, whether it is must??? This bone cement will not lasts long?? What is the after effect if dont go for another surgery for replacing it?
Hello. GTC is a benign condition, but if left untreated, this tumors may hamper normal functioning of a bone and joint involved. So, surgical excision and curettage of tumor becomes necessary. As there are chances of recurrence of tumor at the same sight, fillers are necessary which can be biological like bone graft or a cement material. There are advantages and disadvantages of both the types. And one of the disadvantage of cementing the bone is, it is not a permanent solution for as filler. So, according to our view, it is necessary to remove it. Generally these tumors recur within 2 years of excision, hence your doctor is willing to wait for 2 years after your recent surgery. If there will be no recurrence, then they can replace it with biological filler like bone graft. We can understand the pain and sufferings you must be facing and hence not willing for any further operation, but be sure, whatever will happen, is good for you only. So, do not think negative about this. Hope you will not have its recurrence. And hope we have cleared your doubt satisfactorily.