Giant-cell neoplasm of the sphenoid sinus
Suster, S.; Porges, R.; Tobias, J.; Nanes, M.
Mount Sinai Journal of Medicine new York 56(2): 118-122
1989
ISSN/ISBN: 0027-2507 PMID: 2546066 Document Number: 339763
A rapidly growing giant-cell neoplasm arising in the sphenoid sinus of a 26-year-old man is reported. The patient's only initial symptoms were severe headaches and left sixth-nerve palsy. Computerized tomography of the brain showed extensive tumor infiltration of the bony structures and soft tissues of the base of the skull. A transsphenoidal surgical procedure proved unsuccessful in removing the tumor. Histologic examination revealed a proliferation of osteoclast-type giant cells against a background of highly atypical mononuclear cells, raising the question of malignancy. The differential diagnosis and problems in nomenclature of this lesion are discussed.