Granular Cell Tumors of the Head and Neck: A Case Report of 9 Cases / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rather uncommon neoplasm. Though GCTs are usually small, solitary and benign in most cases, a small number (1-2%) of cases are malignant. They can originate from anywhere in the body but are most frequently found in the head and neck, particularly in an oral cavity. Histopathologically, GCT is composed of large, round, or polygonal cells with small dense nuclei. Cytoplasm contains abundant eosinophilic granules. In an immunohistochemical study, granules of GCT are positive for S-100 protein. Surgical intervention, wide excision with enough margin, is the treatment modality of choice. Inadequate resection of a tumor may result in local recurrence, even with a benign GCT. We have experienced 9 cases of GCT between December 1997 and June 2003, and report on them with a review of literatures.