Diagnosis and management of oesophageal granular cell tumour: A case report

Granular cell tumours (GCTs) are rare and typically benign neoplasms that can arise in various parts of the body, including the oesophagus. These tumours are considered to originate from Schwann cells and are characterized by their granular cytoplasm. Oesophageal GCTs (EGCTs) are particularly uncommon and often present with non-specific symptoms, making their diagnosis challenging. The present case report documents the case of a 68-year-old male patient who was admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University (Jiujiang, China) after the incidental discovery of a submucosal oesophageal mass during a routine health examination. Upon diagnostic evaluation, including endoscopy and histopathological analysis, an EGCT was identified. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed submucosal protrusion of the lower oesophagus, where endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was subsequently performed. Histopathological staining and immunohistochemistry (IHC) indicated the presence of a GCT with positivity for S-100. The patient successfully underwent ESD without any complications. Although EGCTs are typically benign, they have the potential for malignant transformation and therefore require careful evaluation. The present case highlights the importance of differentiating EGCTs from other submucosal oesophageal lesions through histological and IHC methods. In particular, early detection and appropriate management are crucial for optimal patient outcomes. In conclusion, EGCT is a rare entity with a generally favourable prognosis when detected early. The present case underscores the importance of considering EGCTs in the differential diagnosis of oesophageal submucosal lesions and outlines the role of endoscopic and histopathological evaluation in their management.