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Granular Cell Tumor Breast Masquerading as a Malignancy Cytologically: a Rare Case Presenting a Diagnostic Dilemma

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Indian Journal of Surgical Oncology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Granular cell tumor (GCT) also known as Abrikossoff’s tumor is an uncommon soft tissue tumor of neurogenic origin. GCT of the breast accounts for < 0.1% of breast tumors and 6% of all reported cases of granular cell tumor. Although GCT is a benign tumor, malignant GCT can be seen in 1% v of the cases. GCT of the breast is diagnostically challenging as it can imitate carcinoma clinically and radiologically but need to be differentiated from breast malignancy since they have totally different approach in treatment and prognosis. GCT has a great ability to mimic a variety of lesions from benign histiocytic to malignant epithelial/mesenchymal lesions, thereby presenting a diagnostic challenge to the practicing cytopathologist. We report a case of GCT of breast cytologically masquerading as a malignancy in a 45-year-old female. Although, fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a first-line diagnostic tool, the present case reemphasizes the role of histopathology as the gold standard for a definite diagnosis clubbed with ancillary techniques like immunohistochemistry and special stains.

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Acknowledgments

We would like to thank our technical staff Mr. Ravinder and Ms. Sumita for assisting in performing the Fnac procedure and giving quality satined slides.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, Haryana, India

    Mukta Pujani, Kanika Singh, Sujata Raychaudhuri, Charu Agarwal, Aparna Khandelwal & Reetika Menia

  2. Department of Surgery, ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, Haryana, India

    Devender Prajapati

Authors
  1. Mukta Pujani
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  2. Kanika Singh
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  3. Sujata Raychaudhuri
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  4. Charu Agarwal
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  5. Aparna Khandelwal
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  6. Reetika Menia
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  7. Devender Prajapati
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Contributions

Dr. Mukta Pujani contributed towards the idea and design of the manuscript. Dr. Kanika Singh, Dr. Aparna Khandelwal, and Dr. Reetika Menia helped in data acquisition. Dr. Mukta pujani, Dr. Sujata Raychaudhuri, and Dr. Charu Agarwal helped in case analysis and interpretation of findings. Dr. Mukta, Dr. Kanika, and Dr. Deveneder Prajapati helped in preparation of the manual.

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Correspondence to Kanika Singh.

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Pujani, M., Singh, K., Raychaudhuri, S. et al. Granular Cell Tumor Breast Masquerading as a Malignancy Cytologically: a Rare Case Presenting a Diagnostic Dilemma. Indian J Surg Oncol 11, 321–324 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-020-01055-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13193-020-01055-0

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