Large benign granular cell tumor with skin involvement: a case report

Abstract

Granular cell tumors (GCT) are a rare soft tissue neoplasm of Schwann cell origin. This form of tumor is generally benign (0.5-2% malignant) and in these cases, involvement of the skin and deeper structures are not common, presenting usually as a solitary, slow-growing, painless mass. This case report presents a 43-year-old woman with multiple benign slow growing masses on the back for 15 years, later biopsied to reveal benign granular cell tumor. Wide local excision of 2 masses and placement of wound VAC was performed by plastic surgery team with primary specimen measuring 11.5 x 12.5 x 2.5cm with skin and deep structure involvement, and a smaller mass measuring 6 x 3.1 & 5 x 2.1cm. Split-thickness skin graft was performed a week after confirmation from pathology on its benign nature. This case highlights an abnormal presentation of benign GCT due to size, skin and deep structure involvement, multiple lesions and appropriate management.