Pulmonary metastasis of recurrent giant-cell tumor in proximal humerus: a case report

Abstract

Giant-cell tumour (GCT) of the bone is a benign neoplasm which commonly occurs in the distal femur, proximal tibia, and distal radius. The proximal humerus is a relatively rare site of occurrence, with a prevalence rate of 4%. We report a case of a 40 years-old male with a recurrent GCT of the proximal humerus. Wide excision and hemiarthroplasty of the shoulder was performed. However, the tumour recurred. Asymptomatic metastasis to the right lower lobe of the lung was found on plain radiograph. We suggest that multiple surgeries would increase the risk of local recurrence of GCT that will lead to pulmonary metastasis.

Keywords

• giant-cell tumor
• Bone
• recurrent
• proximal humerus
• pulmonary metastasis