Granular cell tumour of the tongue in a 14-year-old boy: case report

• Published in: Acta otorhino-laryngologica italica Vol. 31; no. 3; pp. 186 - 189
• Main Authors: BARBIERI, M, MUSIZZANO, Y, BOGGIO, M, CARCUSCIA, C
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pisa Pacini 01-06-2011; Pacini Editore SpA
• Subjects: Adolescent; Biological and medical sciences; Case Report; Granular Cell Tumor - diagnosis; Granular Cell Tumor - surgery; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Otorhinolaryngology. Stomatology; Tongue Neoplasms - diagnosis; Tongue Neoplasms - surgery; Human; Case study; Granular cell tumour; Abrikossoff; Tongue; Granular cell myoblastoma; ENT; Benign neoplasm; Child; Myoblastoma
• ISSN: 0392-100X; 1827-675X

Granular cell tumour is a rare soft tissue neoplasm that can virtually affect any site of the body. Its histological origin is controversial, since several studies have shown that different cells are involved. Granular cell tumour was initially described as myoblastoma, but, at present, a neural origin is supported by most Authors, due to the immunohistochemical pattern. Even if the biological behaviour of granular cell tumours is usually benign, accurate histological examination is mandatory, because in a small number of cases they can be malignant. Here, a case is described of granular cell tumour in a 14-year-old boy, which is a very rare occurrence, since these tumours typically manifest in subjects between the third and sixth decade. Histopathological features, differential diagnosis and therapeutic implications of granular cell tumour are discussed, together with a brief review of the recent literature.