Giant Cell Tumor of the C1

[lkhubbard]

My brother has been diagnosed with a Giant Cell Tumor affecting his C1 and C2 vertebrae.  I understand that this is fairly rare and am looking for anyone who has experience treating this particular tumor in this location or a previous patient or family member of a patient.

We are desperately seeking second opinions on the proper course of treatment, as well as experienced doctors who have actually dealt with this before.

Any and all response is appreciated

[dr_simran]

Hello Dear,
Giant cell tumors ,if not treated, continue to grow and destroy bone. Surgery has proven to be the most effective treatment for giant cell tumors.Non surgical treatment consists of-
Radiation therapy is a nonsurgical and effective. Itis used only in the most difficult cases where surgery cannot be performed safely or effectively .It can result in the formation of cancer
Embolization, reports to be a  successful treatment.
Drug like Interferon works by interfering with the ability of the tumor to grow new blood vessels.
Radiation therapy, embolization and treatment with interferon are generally reserved for those tumors that are difficult to remove surgically or in situations where the tumor keeps returning despite treatment or if it spreads.You should get a second opinion and decide the best amongst the options available.

For more information refer http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00080
Bes

[sowings]

As a 16 year old I went through the giant cell tumor process. Although mine was in my hip, I strongly advise getting as many opinions as possible. Also, I'm not sure your location, but there's a "specialist" at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN that I would recommend. I'll have to look up his name. It's been a while since you made your post, but feel free to contact me if you still need any help. ***@****