title: Giant-cell neoplasm of the sphenoid sinus.
abstract: A rapidly growing giant-cell neoplasm arising in the sphenoid sinus of a 26-year-old man is reported. The patient's only initial symptoms were severe headaches and left sixth-nerve palsy. Computerized tomography of the brain showed extensive tumor infiltration of the bony structures and soft tissues of the base of the skull. A transsphenoidal surgical procedure proved unsuccessful in removing the tumor. Histologic examination revealed a proliferation of osteoclast-type giant cells against a background of highly atypical mononuclear cells, raising the question of malignancy. The differential diagnosis and problems in nomenclature of this lesion are discussed.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Suster
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Porges
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tobias
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nanes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005870:Giant Cell Tumors / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D018219:Histiocytoma, Benign Fibrous / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010255:Paranasal Sinus Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D013101:Sphenoid Sinus