Granular cell myoblastoma involving the recurrent laryngeal nerve

An unusual granular cell myoblastoma occurred surrounding the recurrent laryngeal nerve. Available information regarding the origin, biological behavior, and treatment of such tumors arising from the cervical trachea was reviewed. Frequently, the histologic features cause this lesion to be mistaken for a malignant tumor, and errors in diagnosis and treatment may be made. To our knowledge, encasement of a major motor nerve in the neck by a granular cell neoplasm has never before been reported. Since the overwhelming majority of these tumors behave in a benign fashion, we recommend that the surgeon attempt to spare functionally important nerves in rare instances when they are grossly surrounded by tumor.