Granular cell tumor of the vulva: literature review and case report

Granular cell tumors are an uncommon neoplasm of neural origin. They occur throughout the body; only about 10% are found in the vulvar region. Granular cell tumors are most frequent in the third and fourth decade of life, the African-American race, and the female. Generally, they appear as small, firm, painless, slow-growing subcutaneous nodules. They are rarely encapsulated and recurrence is common. The malignant granular cell tumor is rare, representing 1% to 2% of cases. This form is highly aggressive, unresponsive to treatment, and ultimately fatal. A third type of granular cell tumor has been described which has benign pathologic characteristics but behaves in a clinically malignant manner. The treatment of choice for all types is wide, local surgical excision. A case is described which typifies the benign type granular cell tumor.