A SIMPLE FRACTURE HELPED REVEAL AN AGGRESSIVE TUMOR

In May, 24-year-old Moscow resident Nino accidentally broke her leg during a walk. This seemingly routine incident led to a more thorough examination. First, she had an X-ray, followed by a CT scan. The results revealed a giant cell tumor in her tibia.

“This type of tumor can be either benign or malignant,” explains Alexander Kurilchik, head of the Department of Combined Treatment of Bone, Soft Tissue, and Skin Diseases at the A.Tsyb Medical Radiological Research Centre, – branch of the Federal State Budgetary Institution of the “National Medical Research Radiological Centre” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. “It’s most common in children and young adults, particularly women under 30. A distinctive feature of giant cell tumors is their aggressive destruction of bone tissue, which can lead to fractures, pain, and even disability.”

“I was devastated when I learned my diagnosis,” Nino recalls. “I was most afraid that I’d have to give up my hobbies and active lifestyle. But as I read more about the condition, I realized I had to fight through it!”

Fortunately, after a biopsy, doctors determined that the tumor was benign. Nino began preparing for surgery. She was sent to the Department of Combined Treatment of Bone, Soft Tissue, and Skin Diseases at the A. Tsyb MRRC, known for complex joint replacements and spinal surgeries, making it the right place for her treatment.

“Alexander Alexandrovich immediately gave me hope and reassured me that the surgery would go well,” Nino recalls. “He explained in detail about the recovery process, future rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments.”

Alexander Kurilchik elaborates, “We performed a surgery to remove the affected bone segment along with the tumor. The resulting defect was replaced with a special endoprosthesis. After such a procedure, Nino needed rehabilitation, so she was discharged only after two weeks.”

Now, Nino is able to go out for walks, although it’s still challenging and will take time for full recovery. But she believes only good things lie ahead, as she has many goals and passions. Most importantly, she has a tremendous will to live!