Granular cell tumor

Granular cell tumor is a type of neoplasm that is typically benign, but can occasionally be malignant. It is characterized by the presence of large cells with granular cytoplasm. These tumors can occur anywhere in the body, but are most commonly found in the skin, oral cavity, and breast.

Etiology

The exact cause of granular cell tumors is unknown. However, they are believed to originate from Schwann cells, which are cells that produce the protective myelin sheath covering nerve fibers.

Clinical Presentation

Granular cell tumors typically present as painless, firm nodules that are less than 3 cm in diameter. They can occur at any age, but are most common in middle-aged adults. There is a slight female predominance, and they are more common in people of African descent.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a granular cell tumor is typically made through a biopsy of the lesion. Histologically, the tumor cells are large and polygonal, with abundant granular eosinophilic cytoplasm. The granules are positive for Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining, which is indicative of the presence of lysosomes.

Treatment

Treatment for granular cell tumors typically involves surgical excision. In cases where the tumor is malignant, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with granular cell tumors is generally good, as the majority of these tumors are benign. However, malignant granular cell tumors can be aggressive and have a poorer prognosis.

See Also

• Neoplasm
• Schwann cell
• Biopsy
• Periodic acid-Schiff
• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy

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