Granular cell tumor in oral cavity: case report

Abstract

Introduction: Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a benign neoplasm of uncommon soft tissue that mainly affects women in the fourth and sixth of life. The lesion has a predilection for the head and neck region, and the dorsal surface of the tongue is the site of major involvement. Clinically, it presents as a firm, mucosal or slightly yellowish, slowly growing, asymptomatic submucosal nodule. The objective of this work is to report a case of GCT presenting its clinical, histopathological and possible differential diagnoses. Case report: A 46-year-old female patient with a nodule located on the posterior lateral border of the tongue. On intraoral examination, it was found on a table, with a yellowish color, measuring approximately 1cm in its largest diameter. Based on the diagnostic hypothesis of lipoma, an excisional biopsy was performed. A histopathological analysis revealed morphological characteristics compatible with GCT. Final considerations: The dentist should know the differential clinical and histopathological diagnoses, since the therapeutic behavior may be different in some cases.