Malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts. An analysis of 32 cases

The malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts is an extraskeletal malignant neoplasm somewhat resembling a giant cell tumor of bone and consisting of multinucleated giant cells (occasionally containing asteroid bodies), monon‐nuclear histiocytes, and fibroblasts arranged in a multinodular pattern. Thirty‐two cases of this tumor in the AFIP files were reviewed and subdivided into a superficial and a deep group; the superficial tumors (12 cases) were small and occurred in the region of the subcutis and superficial fascia, with a predilection for the leg. They recurred frequently after excision, but only two metastasized and terminated in death. Six of the 12 patients with superficial tumors survived 5 or more years following local excision. The deep tumors were large and involved skeletal muscle, deep fascia, and tendons. They affected the thigh chiefly. Fourteen of the 20 patients developed pulmonary or widespread metastasis and died; eight of the 14 had been treated by amputation of the extremity. Four of the 20 patients with deeply located malignant giant cell tumor of soft parts survived 5 years.