Georgia,
Dr. Corenman’s words about giant cell tumors are spot on. Based on my wife’s giant cell tumor 17 years ago, I’d like to share what I’ve learned.
My wife suffered from a giant cell tumor 17 years ago. At that time, around 70% of giant cell tumors were reported young women, around 16 to 26 years of age, in the tibia or fibula of the knee joint. I doubt things have changed since then, but I’m not a doctor and my memory and knowledge of the subject are limited.
Here is what I remember for sure: only a senior member of a surgical staff with specific giant cell tumor experience should perform a biopsy, and the correct biopsy needle should be used. The wrong procedure or needle can cause the tumor to metastasize into the lungs, liver or brain, which could be fatal. Waiting a few weeks to find the right specialist is probably the right option.
Pregnancy hormones cause giant cell tumors to grow explosively, which could cause them to rupture and then metastasize. Birth control, and especially pregnancy, might be a bad idea until diagnosis is confirmed and the tumor is removed without remission.
A specialist who deals with giant cell tumors is Dr. Ross Wilkins. He’s in the Denver area and is easy to track down with google. I have no association with him or his office, other than the fact that he saved my wife 17 years ago.
I hope this is helpful to you!
Dan
