Malignant giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone and its differential diagnosis

Nine cases of giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone have been previously reported. The present case is the tenth reported case and is unusual in that this is a malignant giant cell tumor of the sphenoid bone. No other previously reported case was classified as malignant. In all previously reported cases, the sella turcica was destroyed, and the main destruction was in the body of the sphenoid. In this case, the sella turcica is unaffected, and most of the destruction is confined to the greater wing of the sphenoid. The differential diagnosis includes those pathologic conditions causing osteolytic destruction of the greater wing of the sphenoid without hyperostosis or calcification and without involvement of the superior orbital fissure or sella turcica.