[Granular cell tumor of vulva]

ABSTRACT

Benign tumor whose histogenesis is uncertain, although most of the immunohistochemical and ultrastructural evidences support its neurogenic origin of Schwann cell derivation. It is mostly in the craniocervical region, vulvar involvement is quite rare. A 23 year old woman noted the presence of a 1 cm sized mass on her right labium majus which subsequently increased in size to approximately 3 cm. the mass was totally resected. Her postoperative follow-up was uneventful. Histologic examination of the tumor showed tumor cells with morphologic features consistent with a granular cell tumor. Although benign and slow growing, it has a tendency for recurrence, hence the need for complete surgical excision. Malignant forms, which account for 1-2%, are often fatal with primary and multicentric lesions or metastatic lesions vital organs. While the efficacy of radiotherapy and chemotherapy is unproven. It is a rare entity often benign but may cause, in certain forms, morbidity and mortality. Therefore, clinicians and pathologists should be aware of the clinical and histologic features of these tumors