Granular cell tumor presenting as an intradural extramedullary tumor

Spinal intradural extramedullary granular cell tumor

Background

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon peripheral nerve sheath tumors of Schwann cell origin that may occur throughout the body. However, they rarely occur in the spinal canal.

Case Description

A 49-year-old male presented with burning sensation in the left knee. The MRI of the lumbar spine showed an L3-L4 intradural extramedullary tumor. Complete surgical resection was successfully performed and the L3 root burning improved. Histopathologically, the lesion proved to be a benign GCT.

Conclusion

Spinal GCTs are rare benign tumors that may be found in an intradural extramedullary location in the spine. The preferred treatment is complete surgical resection as subtotal/partial resection may result in recurrence warranting radiation therapy.

Giant Granular Cell Tumor of the Cervical Spinal Cord Resected via Anterior Corpectomy with Reconstruction: Technical Note and Review of Literature

BACKGROUND

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare soft tissue neoplasms with a nerve sheath origin, most often found in female adult populations. When these tumors arise in the central nervous system, they most commonly appear intradurally in the thoracic or lumbar spine. GCT malignancy rates vary and recurrence rates can be relatively high, thereby necessitating complete resection.

CASE DESCRIPTION

We present an exceedingly rare case of an intradural, extramedullary GCT originating in the anterior cervical spine of a male pediatric patient who presented with progressive neck pain and gait instability.

CONCLUSIONS

The patient underwent an anterior C7 corpectomy for resection of the tumor, followed by stabilization and fusion, and recovered without neurologic deficit. A literature review of spinal GCTs is provided.

Intradural extramedullary granular cell tumour in a cat

A 7-year-old domestic shorthair cat was evaluated for progressive paraparesis, inability to jump, a paralysed tail and inability to void the bladder. Neurologic examination was consistent with a L4-S3 localisation. Survey radiographs of the lumbar vertebral column revealed L4-L7 vertebral body remodelling. A pre-contrast T1-weighted hyperintense, diffusely enhancing intradural lesion extending from L4 to S1 vertebral bodies was detected by MRI. Large, mesenchymal, round-to-polygonal cells arranged in nests or sheets were found on histologic examination at post mortem. These cells were characterised by abundant intracytoplasmic PAS-positive, diastase-resistant granules and positive immunoexpression of vimentin, S-100, neuron-specific enolase and desmin. This is the first report of a spinal granular cell tumour in a cat.

Recurrent granular cell tumor: a case report and review of literature

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) in the spine are uncommon. They are mostly located in the intradural extramedullary space and rarely, in an intramedullary (IM) location. Complete resection is the treatment of choice. Recurrences are rare in intradural-intramedullary (IDEM) GCTs. Recurrent and incompletely excised cases are subjected to adjuvant radiation therapy. We report such a recurrence in a 13-year-old girl who was re-operated and subjected to radiotherapy.

Intradural spinal granular cell tumor

Granular cell tumor is a rare, usually benign tumor with classical histomorphology. Location of tumor varies widely within body, but spine is distinctly a rare location for this tumor. We report a rare case of granular cell tumor involving intradural extramedullary portion of lumbar region of spinal cord. Knowledge of which is important as subsequent prognosis differs from other tumor at same location.

Granular cell tumor of the intradural extramedullary spinal cord : report of two cases with respect to radiological differential diagnosis

Granular cell tumors (GrCTs) of the spinal cord are rare benign tumors with a high rate of local recurrence. Only 6 cases of spinal GrCTs have been reported. GrCT is difficult to distinguish from other benign tumors such as schwannoma using imaging. A radiological "speckled dots" sign may be a useful differentiating feature of GrCT based upon experience with two cases and a review of the literature.

Granular cell tumor of the orbit: magnetic resonance imaging characteristics

A 56-year-old woman presented with choroidal folds and was found to have a large intraconal mass. MRI disclosed the mass to enhance with gadolinium and be hypointense on both T1- and T2-weighted images. The tumor proved to be a granular cell tumor. Granular cell tumors are rare neoplasms that may affect the orbit, lacrimal apparatus, conjunctiva, and caruncle. This is the first report describing the MRI characteristics of orbital granular cell tumors.