Endoscopic resection of two granular cell tumours of the oesophagus

Benign esophageal tumors

Benign esophageal and paraesophageal masses and cysts are a rare but important group of pathologies. Although often asymptomatic, these lesions can cause a variety of symptoms and, in some cases, demonstrate variable biological behavior. Contemporary categorization relies heavily on endoscopic ultrasound and other imaging modalities and immunohistochemical analysis when appropriate. Minimally invasive options including endoscopic, laparoscopic, and thoracoscopic methods are increasingly used for symptomatic or indeterminate lesions.

Esophageal granular cell tumor: Clinical, endoscopic and histological features of 19 cases

Esophageal granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and often misdiagnosed. To demonstrate their clinicopathological features, the present study reports 19 cases and reviews the literature. There were 11 female and eight male esophageal GCT patients with a median age of 42.0 years. All the tumors were solitary. The majority of patient indications for endoscopy (89.5%) were non-specific and endoscopic therapy was performed in 17 cases with a relapse in one case after a 12-month follow-up. The endoscopic appearance of esophageal GCT was variable and the majority of tumors (80.0%) were located in the middle and lower esophageal segments. The size of the tumors ranged from 0.4 to 2 cm in diameter and the surface was white-gray, pink or yellow. Nine patients underwent an endoscopic ultrasound exam, eight of which demonstrated hypoechoic echostructures with a smooth margin and intracavity growth features. One case was derived from the muscularis propria layer with an irregular margin and intra- and extra-cavity growth features. The histological features could mimic other tumors and immunohistochemical stains are usually positive for S-100, periodic acid-Schiff, neuron-specific enolase and nestin. Three cases indicated pleomorphism and Ki-67 was locally positive. Esophageal GCTs are rare and endoscopic ultrasound features are variable. Immunohistochemical staining may aid in the diagnosis.

Endoscopic resection of granular cell tumors in the gastrointestinal tract: a single center experience

BACKGROUND

The frequency of granular cell tumors (GCTs) identified in the gastrointestinal tract has recently increased with the increased use of routine endoscopy. Endoscopic treatment is increasingly used as an alternative to traditional surgical resection, but there are few reports on the efficacy, safety, and long-term prognosis of endoscopic treatment for GCTs. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term prognosis of endoscopic resection for the gastrointestinal GCTs.

METHODS

We examined a total of 27 GCTs in 25 patients who were treated by endoscopic resection from January 2007 to February 2011. For endoscopic resection, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was used.

RESULTS

Twenty GCTs were located in the esophagus, 5 in the stomach, and 2 in the colon. The median size of the GCTs was 10 mm; the largest size, located in the ascending colon, measured 18 mm. EMR with a ligation device was performed in 20 cases, conventional EMR in 5 cases, and ESD in 2 cases. En bloc resection was performed in 25 cases (92.6%), and endoscopic complete resection piecemeal resection was achieved in 25 cases (92.6%). Pathologic complete resection was achieved in 22 lesions (81.5%). Intraprocedural bleeding was noted in three patients, with no occurrence of perforation or postprocedure stricture. No recurrence was observed during the mean follow-up period of 15 months (range 9-31 months).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic resection appears to be a safe and effective treatment for GCTs in the gastrointestinal tract.

Endoscopic diagnosis and resection of esophageal granular cell tumors

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are uncommon neoplasms. There is controversy regarding the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of esophageal GCT. We studied the endoscopic diagnosis and management of esophageal GCT among 23 patients identified in a single-institution pathology database. Medical records, pathology, and endoscopic images were reviewed. All patients underwent endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and endoscopic resection was performed in 10 patients. Seven of 23 patients had more than one esophageal GCT. Only six lesions exhibited a classic yellow discoloration. Among patients with a single GCT, three, four, and nine lesions were located in the proximal, middle, and distal esophagus, respectively. EUS showed hypoechoic, smooth-edged lesions usually confined to deep mucosa and submucosa. Standard forceps biopsy was diagnostic in 19 of 23 patients (83%). Ten GCT ≤ 10 mm in diameter underwent successful endoscopic mucosal resection without complication. The endoscopic appearance, location, and number of esophageal GCT are highly variable. Histological proof is still necessary for the differential diagnosis of this rare neoplasm. Endoscopic forceps biopsy is usually diagnostic. Endoscopic resection appears safe and effective in selected cases with lesions ≤ 10 mm.

Coexistence of esophageal granular cell tumor and squamous cell carcinoma: a case report

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are relatively uncommon, usually benign and solitary neoplasms. Until now, about 200 cases of esophageal GCTs have been reported in the literature. We present a rare case of synchronous occurrence of esophageal GCT and moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in a 40-year-old white woman. The GCT was detected incidentally during esophagoscopy undertaken for evaluation of a 4-month history of progressive solid food dysphagia. The gross and microscopic appearance of the GCT was typical. It was localized in the mucosa of the middle esophagus dystally and separately to the cancer. It revealed strong positive immunostaining for vimentin, S-100 protein and neuron-specific enolase, as well as weakly positive focal staining for Ki67 and p53 protein. Although, the coexistence of esophageal GCTs and cancers seems to be coincidental, the necessity of a careful clinical evaluation and a close follow-up of patients with GCT is suggested.