Rare granular cell tumor affecting a 13-year-old boy

ABSTRACT

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare soft-tissue neoplasm, first described in 1926. GCT often manifests as a single, painless nodule that shows a slow enlargement in the cutaneous, subcutaneous, or submucosal tissues. It is commonly reported in adults in the third to sixth decade of life. This case report is of an incidental finding in a young boy, who was radiologically examined for orthodontic treatment purpose and found to have a radiolucent lesion in the mandible. The lesion was later diagnosed as GCT. Central GCT is rare, and the presentation in a child is even rare. Although GCT is reported to be benign, it can turn malignant in 2% of the cases and possibly metastasize too. The local recurrence within a year is characteristic for malignant GCT. The 1-year follow-up of the present case indicated no local recurrence. The case stresses the need for the frequent dental examination, specialist reference. GCT should be included in the differential diagnosis of head and neck masses, even when inside jaws. It shall be remembered that such tumors may arise in any atypical locations and there is a possibility of malignancy.