Abstract

AbstractGranular cell myoblastoma is a relatively uncommon lesion, but one important to the otolaryngologist, since over 50% occur in the head and neck. This presentation reviews 28 tumors from 25 patients, with a 15-year follow-up. The cases involve the tongue, larynx, lips, esophagus, trachea, skin, tonsil, eye muscle, and soft tissue of the neck. The tumors occur most often on the lateral tongue in women. The laryngeal site is commonly the posterior true vocal cord. Most of the esophageal lesions appear in the upper third of the esophagus and cause obstructive symptoms. The pathologic findings are distinct with large cells containing numerous granules. A layer of overlying epithelium displaying pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia may be misinterpreted as carcinoma. The tumor most likely arises from Schwann cells. It can be multicentric. Malignancy is rare. Excision with an adequate margin is the preferred treatment, and to date we have not had a recurrence.