A type of bone tumour characterized by massive destruction of bone near the end (epiphysis) of a long bone. The site most commonly struck by this tumour is the knee – the far end of the femur and the near end of the tibia.

The tumour is often coated by new bony growth.

It causes pain and restricts movement.

Treatment of Osteoclastoma is surgery.

Osteoclastoma occurs more often in woman than in men and has a peak incidence in the third decade of life.

Osteoclastoma, also called “giant-cell tumour of the bone”.

The tumour is full of large multinucleate cells (cells with more than one nucleus) that look gigantic when viewed magnified through a microscope.

A relatively uncommon tumour

These tumours are generally benign, with unpredictable behaviour.

Accounts for 4-5% of primary bone tumours and ~20% of benign bone tumours.

Significantly higher incidence rates are observed in Asia, where it constitutes 20% of all primary bone tumours in China.

Patients usually present with pain and limited range of motion caused by the tumours proximity to the joint space.

There may be swelling as well, if the tumour has been growing for a long time.

Some patients may be asymptomatic until they develop a pathologic fracture at the site of the tumour.

The symptoms may include muscular aches and pains in arms, legs, and abdominal pain.

Patients may also experience nerve pain which feels like an electric shock.

Curettage is a common treatment technique

If the patient has suffered a pathological fracture, then it is best to wait for the fracture to heal before proceeding with surgery.

Patients with tumours that are not excisable via surgery are treated with radiation therapy.