MRI features of an expansile vertebral lytic lesion with a soft tissue component.

The patient underwent a CT-guided biopsy with a histopathological examination that confirmed the diagnosis of a giant cell tumor.

Giant cell tumors are common benign bone neoplasms. They almost occur when the growth plate has closed and are therefore typically seen in early adulthood, between the ages of 20 and 50 in 80% of reported cases with a mild female predilection, especially when located in the spine (as in this case). Malignant transformation is far more common in men (M:F of ~3:1). 

Typically occur as single lesions and the most common sites are around the knee (distal femur and proximal tibia) in 50-65% of cases. The vertebral location is seen in around 7% of cases.​