Pulmonary granular cell tumor coexisting with bronchogenic carcinoma

Abstract

Pulmonary granular cell tumors (GCTs) are uncommon and predominantly benign. The coexistence of GCTs with bronchogenic carcinoma is rare. We report three cases of GCT occurring simultaneously with a primary bronchogenic carcinoma. In one case mucoepidermoid carcinoma was seen colliding with a bronchial submucosal GCT. In another case an endobronchial GCT was seen beneath squamous cell carcinoma in situ and adjacent to invasive squamous carcinoma. In the third case a central bronchial GCT was identified concurrently with a peripheral adenocarcinoma. We suggest that the presence of a GCT should prompt adequate sampling to rule out the coexistence of bronchogenic carcinoma. Clinical awareness and complete evaluation for a malignant primary lung tumor will lead to more appropriate therapy. Ann Diagn Pathol 5:74-79, 2001.