ABSTRACT
Background: Granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon tumor, and gastrointestinal tract GCT is even more rare. Aims: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics, treatment and prognosis of gastrointestinal tract GCT. Methods: Nine cases of gastrointestinal tract GCT from January 2017 to June 2021 at the 903rd Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force, PLA and Jinhua Municipal Central Hospital Medical Group were retrieved. The clinical data, histopathological characteristics, treatment, and prognosis were retrospectively analyzed. Results: In the 9 patients with gastrointestinal tract GCT, ratio of male to female was 2:1, age at diagnosis was 19-60 years, with a median age of 52 years. Six GCT were found in esophagus, 2 in colorectum and 1 in anus. Endoscopic results showed submucosal protrusion or sessile polyps ranging in size from 2-12 mm with a median of 5 mm. Histology results showed that tumors were located in mucosa and/or submucosa, arranged in solid sheets or nests, with an infiltrative margin and inflammatory infiltrates. Tumor cells were mainly plump and polygonal with abundant cytoplasm and eosinophilic granules. Nuclei were small, the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was very low. Mitotic figure was rare. Immunohistochemistry results showed that S100 and CD68 proteins were positive in all patients, SOX10, CD56, Calretinin and Syn were positive in some patients, and CKp, Desmin, SMA, CD117, CD34, Dog1, and α-inhibin were negative in all patients. Esophageal and colorectal GCT patients received endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). The anal GCT patient underwent local resection. Recurrence or metastasis were not observed during 9-53 months of follow-up. Conclusions: Gastrointestinal tract GCT is rare with non-specific clinical symptoms and submucosal protrusion or sessile polyps under endoscopy. Gastrointestinal tract GCT has special pathomorphology and immunophenotype. EMR or ESD is recommended for small and superficial lesions. Long-term follow-up should be performed.