Recurrent giant cell tumour of the maxillary sinus and pterygoid process treated with denosumab

Abstract

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with a giant cell tumour (GCT) of the right maxilla and pterygoid process. The patient presented to the maxillofacial and head and neck surgery clinic with an ulcerated lesion of the hard palate. Initial workup with CT revealed a mass within the right maxillary sinus and pterygoid process with associated bone expansion and erosion. Biopsy showed a GCT with mucosal ulceration. Two years after surgical resection, a follow-up CT revealed tumour recurrence involving the right pterygoid process and lateral pterygoid muscle. The patient was then proposed for therapy with denosumab. Under denosumab treatment, the lesion maintained stable dimensions and became sclerotic and heavily ossified.

Keywords: drugs and medicines; head and neck cancer; head and neck surgery; radiology.