Granular Cell Tumor on the soft palate: a very rare location

Abstract

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare lesion of neural origin and uncertain nature. It can be a true neoplasm, a degenerative metabolic process or a proliferation trauma-induced. In general, it appears as a singular benign lesion, however, there are rare cases that are malignant multicentric forms. The most frequent orofacial localization is the tongue. The aim of this report was to describe a case of GCT occurring on the soft palate. Patient presented a discrete and asymptomatic nodule for approximately eight months. Definitive diagnosis of granular cell tumor was established by histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The case illustrates the occurrence of granular cell tumor in an unusual region and emphasizes the importance of including this entity in differential diagnosis of soft tissue tumors in otherwise locations besides the tongue.