Granular cell tumor: rare presentation in pediatric age

Abstract

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare soft tissue neoplasms that usually present as solitary lesions, although occasionally, they may be multiple. Most of these tumors arise in the oral mucosa and skin of adults, usually evolving as a slow-growing tumors. It is considered very rare in children. Malignant transformation is very rare, and only 2% of cases are known to spread to distant sites. Here we report a case of a 10-year-old child with a hard painless nodule on the tongue evolving for 6 months. Histopathological examination revealed infiltration of the tongue mucosa by polygonal cells with small nuclei and abundant pale eosinophilic granular cytoplasm expressing S100 protein strongly and diffusely, compatible with a granular cell tumor. A right partial glossectomy was performed. This case highlights the importance of mucosal biopsy for the diagnosis. It also emphasizes that regardless of pediatric age, a biopsy should not be postponed whenever there is uncertainty in the clinical diagnosis.

Keywords

• Granular cell tumor. Oral mucosa. Tongue.