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Granular Cell Tumor of the Esophagus: Report of Five Cases and Review of the Literature

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ABSTRACT

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is an uncommon esophageal neoplasm. It commonly presents as a nonspecific painless mass. The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with 5 patients newly diagnosed with GCT at VA Medical Center in Memphis, Tennessee from February 2001 to June 2005. Clinical manifestation, endoscopic appearance, histology, different modalities of treatment and prognosis are discussed. Based on this experience, we conclude that GCTs are relatively rare in occurrence. They usually present as a firm to hard submucosal nodule on esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Diagnosis can be made by endoscopic biopsy in most cases. Treatment options include endoscopic surveillance, endoscopic resection, or surgery. The usual course of GCTs is benign.

Section snippets

Methods and Case Reports

This study represents a retrospective review of medical records, endoscopic, pathologic, and radiologic databases of all the consecutive patients who underwent an endoscopic procedure at VA Medical Center, Memphis, Tennessee, from Feb 2001 to June 2005. During this review, from a total of 4556 upper endoscopies of the GI tract, 5 cases of GCT were identified. This diagnosis constituted only 0.1% of all patients who underwent endoscopy of the upper GI tract at our institution during that period.

Discussion

Granular cell tumors are uncommon and typically benign. Most of these neoplasms are usually located in the head and neck region, and only 4% to 6% of granular cell tumors are located in the GI tract6., 7. 1/3 of which in the esophagus1., 8., 9., 10., 11. followed by the large intestine, in which GCT usually occurs in the anorectal area and ascending colon.12 GCTs are usually solitary lesion localized in distal esophagus; however, multifocal GCTs have been reported as well.13 Although in general

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