Granular cell tumors are of neural origin from Schwann cells, usually behave in a benign fashion, and can arise
virtually anywhere in the body, including skin, oral cavity, breast and GI tract. Although the esophagus may be the most
common gastrointestinal site, granular cell tumors may occur elsewhere, including the colon.
Left: 29 year-old woman with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Endoscopy revealed changes
of Barrett's disease, and this 1 cm raised, firm, yellow lesion in the mid-esophagus.
On biopsy, this proved to be a granular cell tumor.
Right: Smooth, sessile, yellow-white polypoid lesion in the proximal esophagus of a 39 year-old
woman undergoing endoscopy for evaluation of acid-peptic symptoms.
Left: Incidental finding in a 45 year old woman with abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting and weight loss.
Endoscopy revealed a 6-7 mm smooth, potentially submucosal nodule in the distal esophagus. Histology and immunohistochemical
stains revealed the lesion to be a benign granular cell tumor with no atypical features.
of Barrett's disease, and this 1 cm raised, firm, yellow lesion in the mid-esophagus.
On biopsy, this proved to be a granular cell tumor.
Right: 6-8 mm smooth, round, yellow submucosal lesion in the distal esophagus of a 58 year old woman undergoing
upper endoscopy for evaluation of iron deficiency anemia. Biopsy revealed a granular cell tumor negative for dysplasia/malignancy.
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