A case of esophageal granular cell tumor diagnosed by mucosal incision-assisted biopsy

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Oncology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Esophageal submucosal masses require definitive diagnosis, often via immunohistochemistry.
• Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are a type of esophageal submucosal mass.
• Accurate diagnosis of GCTs depends on obtaining sufficient biopsy material.

Observation:

• Forceps biopsy and endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) can yield insufficient tissue samples for GCT diagnosis.
• EUS-FNA may present challenges in acquiring adequate tumor material.
• Mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB) is a technique for collecting larger biopsy specimens.

Findings:

• MIAB is a straightforward method to obtain larger tissue samples compared to forceps biopsy or EUS-FNA.
• The presented case successfully diagnosed an esophageal GCT using MIAB.
• MIAB addresses the challenge of inadequate specimen yield in diagnosing esophageal GCTs.

Implications:

• MIAB can improve diagnostic yield for esophageal submucosal masses suspicious for GCT.
• This technique offers a valuable alternative for obtaining adequate biopsy material when standard methods are insufficient.
• Successful MIAB facilitates timely and accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of esophageal GCTs.