Esophageal Granular Cell Tumor: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are soft tissue neoplasms that originate from Schwann cells. They occur predominantly in the oral cavity, skin, and breast tissues. Gastrointestinal GCTs are very rare, accounting for only eight percent of all GCTs, most of which are located in the esophagus. Endoscopic ultrasound has been a breakthrough in diagnosing GCTs because it provides precise information on the depth of tumor invasion, thus narrowing the differential diagnosis of subepithelial lesions in the esophagus. However, the definitive diagnosis requires histological confirmation of the lesion. Here, we report a case of esophageal GCT that was identified incidentally and removed by endoscopic mucosal resection.

Granular Cell Tumour – Esophagus Presented As Gastric Esophgeal Reflex Disease

“…Usually it present as asymptomatic lesion and it is an incidental finding during the investigation of other diseases 1 . The symptoms such as dysphagia and acid reflux are present when the tumor size >1cm and multifocal in nature.…”

“…The symptoms such as dysphagia and acid reflux are present when the tumor size >1cm and multifocal in nature. Typically the lesions are sessile, solitary nodular white to gray elevated lesion which is morula like appearance, surface appears smooth, rarely the lesion were ulcerated and necrosis 1 . Though the lesion commonly involved in the submucosa it can also involve in the mucosa and muscularis propria.…”

“…Esophageal granular cell tumor is rare and with the introduction of EUS (esophageal ultra sound) and advances in endoscopic resection, these tumors are presently diagnosed and managed more easily 1 . The tumor can occur at any age group but more common at 40-60years; females are predominantly affected than males 2 .…”

“…Granular cell tumor is a relatively uncommon one which originates from the Schwann cell of the neural tissue 1 . Esophageal granular cell tumor is rare and with the introduction of EUS (esophageal ultra sound) and advances in endoscopic resection, these tumors are presently diagnosed and managed more easily 1 .…”

“…Tumor size usually range from few millimeter to 2 cm and 75% are presented with <2cm in diameter 3 . Endoscopic ultrasound is the only diagnostic tool which is available now a days because it diagnose the depth of the invasion and also assist the sampling for fine needle aspiration procedure 1 . Though endoscopic ultrasound is useful to differentiate the sub epithelial lesions, microscopic examination is definitive for the confirmatory diagnosis.…”