Giant cell angioblastoma in an adult: a unique presentation

Abstract

Giant cell angioblastoma is a very rare, locally destructive vascular tumor of intermediate malignancy without metastatic potential. There are only a few cases reported in the literature exclusively in the soft tissue of children. For the first time, we report on an adult patient with a giant cell angioblastoma in the popliteal fossa. The therapy included tumor resection with favorable clinical, oncological and functional outcome. Due to its locally destructive nature, surgery remains the mainstay of treatment. Histologically, giant cell angioblastoma is comprised of nodular aggregates of histiocytoid cells arranged around bland angiomatous spaces. Because of insufficient available data in regard to the definition of the entity, diagnostic criteria and its biological potential, it is not included in the new World Health Organization classification of tumors of soft tissue and bone. The differential diagnosis includes plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor, myofibroma and giant cell fibroblastoma.