Granular cell tumor is a tumor that can develop on any skin or mucosal surface, but occurs on the tongue 40% of the time. It is also known as Abrikossoffs tumor, Granular cell myoblastoma, Granular cell nerve sheath tumor, and Granular cell schwannoma. )Granular cell tumors (GCTs) affect females more often than males. Pathology
Granular cell tumors are derived from neural tissue, as can be demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and ultrastructural evidence using electron microscopy. These lesions characteristically consist of polygonal cells with bland nuclei, abundant cytoplasm and fine eosinophilic cytoplasmic granules. The tumor cells stain positively for S-100 as they are of Schwann cell origin. Both malignant and benign versions of the tumor exist, where malignant tumors are characterized histologically by features such as spindling, high nuclear to cytoplasmic ratios, pleomorphism, and necrosis. Multiple granular cell tumors may seen in the context of LEOPARD syndrome, due to a mutation in the PTPN11 gene.These tumors, on occasion, may appear similar to neoplasms of renal (relating to the kidneys) origin or other soft tissue neoplasms. Treatment
The primary method for treatment is surgical, not medical. Radiation and chemotherapy are not needed for benign lesions and are not effective for malignant lesions. Benign granular cell tumors have a recurrence rate of 2% to 8% when resection margins are deemed clear of tumor infiltration. When the resection margins of a benign granular cell tumor are positive for tumor infiltration the recurrence rate is increased to 20%.
See also
List of cutaneous conditions
Glassy cell carcinoma

References


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