[Granular cell tumor -- a rare tumor lesion of submandibular gland origin]

Granular cell tumors are rare entities with manifestations in nearly all organ systems. Appearance in salivary glands is observed in singular cases.

We report a 54 years old female patient with a painless submandibular tumor lesion. Using a submandibular approach the tumor was totally removed with the submandibular gland. Histologically a benign granular cell tumor was diagnosed. The immunohistological examination revealed positive for S-100 antigen and vimentin, negative for KL1 antigen. The clinical follow-up for about 3 years was without complications or tumor recidive.

A differential diagnosis of a submandibular mass is the rare manifestation of a benign granular cell tumor. The neurogen origin can be proven immunohistologically by positive S-100 antigen detection. The complete surgical resection is the therapy of choice.