# Giant cell tumor of the hand in a pediatric patient: A case report

## TL;DR

A 12-year-old girl with a rare hand tumor underwent surgery to remove the tumor and preserve hand function.

## Contribution

This case report highlights the management challenges of giant cell tumors in pediatric patients.

## Key findings

- Curettage, bone grafting, and K-wire fixation were used to treat the tumor while preserving hand function.
- Pediatric GCTs have up to 45% recurrence rates, requiring regular follow-up and early imaging.
- Wide excision reduces recurrence but increases surgical morbidity in the hand.

## Abstract

Giant cell tumors (GCTs) of the hand are rare and typically present as painful, locally expanding masses. Bone grafting is commonly used after tumor removal to fill defects and restore structural integrity. This case highlights the management of a suspected GCT in a child using curettage, bone grafting, and biopsy.

A 12-year-old girl presented with a progressively enlarging lump on her right hand. Examination revealed a solid, immobile mass (3 × 2 × 1.5 cm) with a well-defined margin and reduced distal neurovascular function. The capillary refill time was less than 2 s. Surgical management included curettage, iliac bone graft harvesting, graft insertion, and fixation with a K-wire.

Curettage with bone grafting is the preferred treatment for GCTs, but it is associated with a risk of recurrence, especially in pediatric patients, due to rapid bone turnover and anatomical challenges in the hand. Iliac bone grafts provide structural support after curettage. Follow-up imaging is essential to detect early recurrence.

Wide-scale local excision may offer better local control but can result in morbidity, particularly in the hands. Further research is required to clarify the long-term outcomes and optimize adjuvant therapy strategies.

•Rare hand GCT in a 12-year-old girl highlighting diagnostic and management challenges is described in this case report.•Treatment included curretage, iliac bone graft, and K-wire to preserve hand function.•Pediatric GCTs are rare, slightly more common in females, possibly due to puberty-related hormones.•GCTs have up to 45% recurrence, requiring regular follow up and early imaging.•Surgery includes curretage with adjuvants or wide excision, the latter has less recurrence but higher morbidity

Rare hand GCT in a 12-year-old girl highlighting diagnostic and management challenges is described in this case report.

Treatment included curretage, iliac bone graft, and K-wire to preserve hand function.

Pediatric GCTs are rare, slightly more common in females, possibly due to puberty-related hormones.

GCTs have up to 45% recurrence, requiring regular follow up and early imaging.

Surgery includes curretage with adjuvants or wide excision, the latter has less recurrence but higher morbidity