Granular cell tumor of the vocal cord: a case report
- 1Department of Pathology, Internal Security Forces Hospital, La Marsa, Tunisia
- 2Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Internal Security Forces Hospital, La Marsa, Tunisia
Abstract
Introduction and importance:: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon, typically benign neoplasms of Schwann cell origin. Although the head and neck region remains the most common site, laryngeal involvement is rare, accounting for only 3–10% of GCTs. Recognizing laryngeal GCTs is crucial because their subtle clinical presentation and potential to histologically mimic malignancy represent a significant diagnostic challenge.
Case presentation:: A 40-year-old woman with a 30 pack-year smoking history presented with a 3-year history of progressive dysphonia. Laryngoscopic examination revealed a whitish, pedunculated, exophytic mass located on the posterior third of the left vocal cord. Histopathology showed a benign mesenchymal proliferation of large, polygonal cells with finely granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm beneath an unremarkable squamous epithelium with no dysplasia or pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia.
Clinical discussion:: The primary diagnostic challenge with laryngeal GCTs is distinguishing them from malignancies – particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – and from other soft tissue tumors. In this case, immunohistochemistry was essential for a definitive diagnosis. The tumor cells demonstrated diffuse positivity for S-100 protein, confirming their Schwann cell origin, and they were negative for desmin and myogenin, which successfully excluded myogenic neoplasms and SCC.
Conclusion:: Although rare, laryngeal GCTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vocal cord lesions causing chronic dysphonia. Accurate histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and potential overtreatment. Complete endoscopic excision offers an excellent prognosis, although long-term surveillance is recommended.
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BibTeX
@article{barbirou2026granular,
title = {{Granular cell tumor of the vocal cord: a case report}},
author = {Yasmine Barbirou and Ahmed Ben Fadhloun and Chaima Ben Ammar and Senda Turki and Sarra Ben Rejeb},
journal = {International Journal of Surgery Case Reports},
year = {2026},
month = oct,
doi = {10.1097/rc9.0000000000001116},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001116},
note = {CC BY-NC-ND 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Granular cell tumor of the vocal cord: a case report
AU - Yasmine Barbirou
AU - Ahmed Ben Fadhloun
AU - Chaima Ben Ammar
AU - Senda Turki
AU - Sarra Ben Rejeb
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/10/12
JO - International Journal of Surgery Case Reports
DO - 10.1097/rc9.0000000000001116
UR - https://doi.org/10.1097/rc9.0000000000001116
AB - Introduction and importance:: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon, typically benign neoplasms of Schwann cell origin. Although the head and neck region remains the most common site, laryngeal involvement is rare, accounting for only 3–10% of GCTs. Recognizing laryngeal GCTs is crucial because their subtle clinical presentation and potential to histologically mimic malignancy represent a significant diagnostic challenge. Case presentation:: A 40-year-old woman with a 30 pack-year smoking history presented with a 3-year history of progressive dysphonia. Laryngoscopic examination revealed a whitish, pedunculated, exophytic mass located on the posterior third of the left vocal cord. Histopathology showed a benign mesenchymal proliferation of large, polygonal cells with finely granular, eosinophilic cytoplasm beneath an unremarkable squamous epithelium with no dysplasia or pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia. Clinical discussion:: The primary diagnostic challenge with laryngeal GCTs is distinguishing them from malignancies – particularly squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) – and from other soft tissue tumors. In this case, immunohistochemistry was essential for a definitive diagnosis. The tumor cells demonstrated diffuse positivity for S-100 protein, confirming their Schwann cell origin, and they were negative for desmin and myogenin, which successfully excluded myogenic neoplasms and SCC. Conclusion:: Although rare, laryngeal GCTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of vocal cord lesions causing chronic dysphonia. Accurate histopathological and immunohistochemical evaluation is essential to avoid misdiagnosis and potential overtreatment. Complete endoscopic excision offers an excellent prognosis, although long-term surveillance is recommended.
SN - 2210-2612
ER -