Four cases of patients with gastrointestinal granular cell tumors

Gastric granular cell tumor: A case report and literature review

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are neoplasms of uncertain histopathological etiology and therefore there are no universally accepted treatment strategies. GCTs are characterized by abundant eosinophilic granules. Since they are predominantly located in the skin and subcutaneous tissues, gastric GCTs are exceedingly rare. The present study documents the case of a 52-year-old man who visited the Gastroenterology Clinic of the People's Hospital of Putuo District (Zhoushan, China) due to upper abdominal fullness. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a well-defined hypoechoic nodule in the submucosal layer of the stomach body. The lesion was completely excised using endoscopic submucosal dissection and the patient made a full postoperative recovery. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for S100 and CD68, with CD34 expression surrounding the tumor cells. At telephone follow-up until May 2024, the patient's fullness and discomfort were noted to be relieved. The characteristics of the CD34 expression pattern may serve as a novel basis for the pathological diagnosis of gastric GCTs. Endoscopic resection is a feasible option for gastric GCTs smaller than 2 cm.

Granular Cell Tumour in Stomach: a Case Report

Granular cell tumours are uncommon, usually benign soft tissue tumours. They are thought to be neural, arising from Schwann cells and can occur at various sites. Their occurrence in gastrointestinal tract is rare, the commonest site being oesophagus followed by large intestine. Gastric localization is unusual. A young female presented with abdominal discomfort since 3 months. Endoscopy showed a nodule in the body of stomach. Biopsy revealed features of granular cell tumour on microscopy, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical positivity for S100 and CD68. Wide excision of the tumour was performed. At the 6-month follow-up, patient was asymptomatic. The diagnosis of gastric granular cell tumour is based on endoscopic biopsy. Unless there is histological evidence of malignancy, wide local excision is an adequate surgical treatment.

Esophageal Granular Cell Tumors Can Be Differentiated from Leiomyomas Using Endoscopic Ultrasonography

Objective Although esophageal granular cell tumors have been reported to present as hypoechoic tumors, we noticed that their echogenicity is similar to that of the submucosal layer. We investigated the sonographic features of esophageal granular cell tumors and the diagnostic accuracy of the features. Methods Seven patients with esophageal granular cell tumors who underwent endoscopic ultrasonography were retrospectively reviewed. Thirteen patients with esophageal leiomyoma were selected as historical control subjects. The brightness of the tumor on ultrasonography images was measured and the echogenicity was standardized according to the echogenicity of the proper muscle and submucosal layers. Ten board-certified endoscopists then independently evaluated the endoscopic pictures of the 20 patients (Test 1), as well as the endoscopic ultrasonography images together with endoscopic pictures of the same patient set (Test 2). Results The standardized echogenicity in granular cell tumors was significantly higher than that in leiomyomas. The diagnostic accuracy of the 10 evaluators using endoscopic pictures alone (Test 1) was 72.0%. The addition of endoscopic ultrasonography images (Test 2) significantly improved the accuracy to 93.0%. Conclusion The echogenicity of granular cell tumors was similar to that of the submucosal layer, and it was significantly higher than that of leiomyomas. Endoscopic ultrasonography images facilitate the accurate identification of esophageal granular cell tumors.

Coexisting Granular Cell Tumor and Tubular Adenoma of the Ileocecal Valve

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) have been described as neoplasms of Schwann cell origin. They are often benign and notably uncommon in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, their incidence has become more common, likely as a result of increased colonoscopy screenings. Very few data exist regarding their potential for malignancy, but malignant GCTs have been reported. Here, we report the case of a young female patient who was diagnosed with an atypical GCT on the ileocecal valve with an overlying tubular adenoma which was found incidentally on colonoscopy. This represents the first known report of a GCT with atypical features on the ileocecal valve, as well as a rare case of overlying adenomatous changes. Due to the paucity of cases, there is no clear modus operandi for their management. Furthermore, it is not clear whether surgical or endoscopic interventions or simple observation may be most appropriate. Further studies are needed to evaluate the potential for malignancy of this tumor, as well as its management.

Progress in research of esophageal granular cell tumors

Esophageal granular cell tumor is a rare benign soft tissue tumor with malignant potential, and its histogenesis remains unclear. Since clinical manifestations lack specificity, the diagnosis depends on endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasonography, pathology and immunohistochemistry. Esophageal granular cell tumors have the potential of malignant transformation and are easily confused with leiomyoma and interstitialoma. At present, the treatment of this disease has not yet reached a consensus. This review aims to elucidate the histogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of esophageal granular cell tumors.

Surgical treatment of a rare case of granular cell tumour of the cervical oesophagus

A female patient was operated upon due to cervical oesophageal stricture induced by a tumour located just below the throat. Local excision of the tumour and reconstruction of the oesophageal wall was performed using the pre-vertebral fascia due to the presence of extensive oesophageal mucosa damage. The patient also required temporary alimentation by the gastrostomy route due to swallowing disturbances. The oesophagram depicted a contrasting airway passage without any evidence of fistula and contrast medium leakage through the oesophageal lumen. Four months after the operation, the patient did not report any issue with oral intake. The postoperative histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations provided evidence of a granular cell tumour (GCT). We believe that local excision of the tumour should always be considered in cases of tumours located close to the throat because it is less invasive than partial resection of a GCT in the oesophagus or oesophagogastrectomy.