Oral granular cell tumour: A multicentric study of 56 cases and a systematic review

Abstract

Objective Granular cell tumour (GCT) is a benign neoplasm that originates from Schwann cells. Within the oral cavity, it usually appears as a lingual nodule and especially amongst female adults. Histologically, GCT shows a proliferation of polygonal cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm, which can be associated with a pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia (PEH). In this study, we analyse the main clinicopathological data of intraoral GCT and we compare our results with previous studies. Material and Methods We have studied a series of 56 cases of oral GCT in Spain and Brazil, and we have conducted a systematic review in PubMed, Web of Knowledge and Scopus databases, using the keywords: “granular cell tumour” and oral. Results In our series, GCT appeared as an asymptomatic benign tumour that is more frequent in women and in the tongue. PEH was observed in 32% of the lesions. In the review, we collected 282 cases of oral GCT with a similar clinical profile; seven patients had multiple lesions, and 33% of the cases presented PEH. No cases of malignant oral GCT have been described to date. GCT is an uncommon oral benign neoplasm, mainly unique and asymptomatic, derived from Schwann cells. Conclusions Although the etiopathogenesis of this oral tumour is unknown, its characteristics suggest that it could have a reactive nature. Conducting a complete clinicopathological study in all intraoral GCT is fundamental in order to dismiss other entities, including oral carcinoma.

Nodular Neurogenic Tumor of the Tip of the Tongue

“…The intraoral GCT are generally diagnosed between the 40 and 60 years old. With a peak in patients who are in their 50s [1,2]. Our 48-year-old patient was is in the peak age range of prevalence when he was diagnosed.…”

“…This hypothesis is in agreement with the ultrastructural observations in electron microscopy studies [5,6] and the absence of the myoglobin in the granular cytoplasm of the cells. The etiopathogenesis of GCT remains uncertain, and some authors suggest a reactive origin [1]. GCT can affect any subcutaneous and submucosal sites in the body.…”

“…Granular cell tumor, formerly called Abrikossoff's tumor, is considered as a benign tumor of the subcutaneous and submucosa area. The preferential localization is the head and neck mucosa, and especially the dorsal tongue mucosa [1]. This tropism related to its tissue origin because granular cell tumors are considered nerve sheath tumors.…”

“…Their clinical expression is similar to other solitary, small and benign tumors of the oral mucosa. These tumors are painless and grow slowly, except rare syndromic forms [1,2]. The diagnosis is based on pathological examination and immunohistochemical confirmation of neural origin with S100 and CD68 expression [2].…”

Nodular lesion on the posterior dorsal surface of the tongue

“…There is female predilection (female-to-male ratio 2:1), with the mean age of occurrence being the fourth decade of life. 9,10 Ectomesenchymal chondromyxoid tumor is a rare benign neoplasm of uncertain histogenesis, in most cases affecting the anterior dorsum of the tongue. In a few cases, the posterior dorsal tongue has been affected.…”