Giant Cell Tumor Fibula

Hi 

After an Ultrasound and X-Ray on a lump on the side of my knee, the GP called to say that I had a suspected  benign tumor at the top of my fibula. She went onto say that not to worry but it is standard practice to be put on the local cancer pathway. I was seen soon after by the head of the cancer team. Who started by saying it looks like I have a Giant Cell tumo, a rare benign tumor, at the top of the fibula but then went on to say these are rare, bone cancer is rare, most bone cancers are secondary. I have been booked in for a MRI on the leg and a CT scan. 

It's really hard to not focus on the bit he said about bonce cancer. Would they have mentioned  it being benign if it wasn't? 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    A Giant Cell tumour ( GCT) is a rare benign ( non cancerous) tumour which develops in the bones. They can develop in any bone but are most common in the legs. GCTs can grow quickly and damage the affected bone, as well as spread to the soft tissue around it. In a very small number of cases, they can become malignant (cancerous) which might explain why the specialist mentioned this. But this is a very rare thing to happen.

    The organisation Sarcoma UK has information on GCT and how it is treated at this link. 

    I hope this is of some use. Please give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene