Granular cell tumors of the trachea

In contrast to the relative frequency of granular cell tumors (GCT) in the larynx and bronchi, the occurrence of these tumors in the trachea is rare. A 50-year review of the English-language literature disclosed only 24 described cases of tracheal GCT. This report reviews the clinicopathologic data from those 24 cases, along with the data from 2 cases obtained via a personal communication and the data from 4 previously unpublished cases obtained from a 30-year review of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology archives. Tracheal resection was the predominant mode of therapy and often was performed as a salvage procedure for failed endoscopic excisions. Recommendations for a more uniform approach to surgical management are provided.