Firm, raised mass of the buccal mucosa

Although the exact origin of the granular cell tumor is unknown and theories on histogenesis are controversial, some characteristics of the lesion are certain. The granular cell tumor behaves benignly, usually affects persons in the fourth decade, and has a predilection for females. The most significant aspect is the presence of extensive hyperplasis of the overlying surface (pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia) in 50% to 65% of the cases.