Granular Cell Ameloblastoma: Retrospective Clinical and Histopathological Findings of Case Series and Review of Literature

Abstract

Granular Cell Ameloblastoma (GCA) is classified as an unusual histological subtype of solid/multicystic ameloblastoma, characterized by granular changes of stellate-like cells located within the inner portion of epithelial follicles. Studies have revealed that cytoplasmatic granularity is caused by lysosomal overload; however, the mechanism involved remains poorly understood. Here we report eight cases of granular cell ameloblastoma, in the posterior region of the mandible. The age of the patients included in this case series ranges between 35 -64 years old, and 87.5% occurred in non-Caucasians, with a slight gender predilection for men (62.5%). There was no evidence of recurrence and the majority of the cases were treated with surgical resection (87.5%). All tumors displayed histopathological features consistent with the diagnosis of granular cell tumor.