Giant cell tumor (GCT) of bone is most commonly located in which region of the bone, and what is the WHO grade assigned to classic GCT?

• A Metaphysis; WHO Grade 1 (benign)
• B Epiphyseal end extending to subchondral bone; WHO Grade 2 (locally aggressive, intermediate) ✓
• C Diaphysis; WHO Grade 2 (locally aggressive)
• D Metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction; WHO Grade 3 (malignant potential)

Explanation

GCT characteristically arises in the epiphyseal end of long bones after skeletal maturity, classically extending to the subchondral bone plate; the distal femur and proximal tibia are the commonest sites. In the 2020 WHO Classification of Bone Tumors, GCT is classified as a locally aggressive (intermediate) tumor — meaning it has significant local recurrence and occasional metastatic potential (especially to lungs) but is not classified as high-grade malignant. It is Grade 2 (locally aggressive, rarely metastasising) in the WHO scheme. Purely diaphyseal location and Grade 1 or Grade 3 designations are incorrect.

Reference: Maheshwari Essential Orthopaedics, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.