Granular cell tumour pathology

Granular cell tumour is also known as Abrikossoff tumour. It is thought to have a neural origin, probably derived from Schwann cells.

Histology of granular cell tumour

In granular cell tumour, sections show broad fascicles of tumor cells arranged in nests or sheets infiltrating the dermis and dermal structures. The tumor cells are large in size, with small, uniform, eosinophilic granules filling the cytoplasm, and small, round-to-oval nuclei (figures 1-3). Mitoses are rare.

“Pustulo-ovoid bodies of Milian” may be present (figure 2, arrow). These are large granules surrounded by a clear halo.

Sometimes, the overlying epidermis may become markedly hyperplastic and mimic a squamous cell carcinoma. This is thought to be a reactive phenomenon.

Malignant forms of granular cell tumour are extremely rare but reported. Frank anaplasia, increased mitotic activity and tumour necrosis are worrisome features.

Figure 1

Figure 3

Figure 3

Special studies for granular cell tumour

S-100 protein is positive. PAS highlights granules after diastase digestion. Other positive stains may include: neuron specific enolase, CD68, CKI-C3.

Differential diagnosis of granular cell tumour pathology

Rhabdomyoma – These may be similar to granular cell tumour. Rhabdomyomas are positive with desmin and myoglobin.

Gingival granular cell tumour of newborn – These are morphologically similar to granular cell tumour but arise in a distinct clinical setting. S100 is negative.

Other tumours with granular cells – Granular cell change has been described in many other tumours (including dermatofibroma, fibrous papule, AFX and primitive polypoid granular cell tumour). S100 positivity is generally a useful diagnostic aid.