Malignant granular cell tumor of the arm – case report

Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare form of soft tissue cancer that is usually benign. Its malignant evolution is encountered in less than 2% of cases, having a more rapid and unfavorable evolution. Clinical presentation betraying malignant features could be increased tumor size, rapid growth, deep localization, and female gender.

This paper presents the case of a 52-year-old patient with a hard, rapidly evolving tumor in the left arm. The diagnosis of granular cell tumor was made based on histopathological examination using the Fanburg and Smith criteria to differentiate the formation as malignant, but with certainty this was subsequently confirmed by the existence of a metastasis. Surgical excision was performed and the evolution was favorable.

Evolution and treatment differ depending on the benign or malignant form, but surgical treatment with wide local excision is recommended. This may be followed by chemotherapy or radiotherapy, and follow-up of patients for the rest of their lives is mandatory.