Granular Cell Tumor (GCT, Abrikossoff’s Tumor) with Coexisting HPV16 Infection. Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Granular cell tumor (GCT) also known as Abrikossoff’s tumor is a structure composed of the granular eosinophilic cells. Usually presents as a benign lesion which occurs in all body parts, most frequently in the oral cavity, especially affect the tongue. Case presentation: A 28-year-old woman referred to the otolaryngology and head and neck surgery clinic due to a tumor-like lesion located in the front third of the tongue shaft in the midline. The patient reported that first time she noticed the tumor six months earlier after suffering from an infection of the upper respiratory tract and throat. In physical examination the tumor was hard, immobile and painless and measured about 1cm without visible infiltration of surrounding structures. Histopathological examination of the sections revealed thickened and acantotic hyperplasia of the paraepidermoid epithelium with the appearance of leukoplakia. There were visible signs of fibrosis in the stroma. Histopathological examination suggested fibroma if the clinical data were consistent. Due to the appearance of leukoplakia and the lack of a history of mechanical risk factors, the histopathologist decided to commission a Real-Time PCR test to assess HPV infection. The obtained result proved the presence of viral DNA of high risk HPV-16 genotype. It was recommended to remove the tumor under local anesthesia and consult a maxillofacial surgery clinic before the procedure. Conclusions: It may be rational to considered routine HPV diagnosis in patients diagnosed with GCT.