Granular cell tumor of the larynx

ABSTRACT

Five cases [3 males and 2 females] of granular cell tumor of the larynx were encountered during the last 5 years. Their ages ranged between 32 and 56 years. The main presenting symptoms were dysphonia and globulus feeling in the throat. A history of prolonged and excessive voice use was present in all cases. Three cases had a positive history of smoking. Histological examination of the removed lesions showed pseudoepitheliomatous invasion of the lamina propria due to exaggerated reaction of the overlying epithelium to chronic irritation. Intracellular examination showed the characteristic pale granular cytoplasmic appearance with no atypia or mitotic figures. This study highlights the need of a critical histopathological examination of laryngeal lesions by an experienced pathologist who has special interest in laryngeal pathology. This is important to avoid false interpretation of these lesions as carcinogenic. Electron microscopic and neuro-ectodermal stains of such lesions are recommended