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Multiple granular-cell tumors of the ascending colon: Microscopic study

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Diseases of the Colon & Rectum

Summary

Light and electron microscopic study of a case of multiple granular-cell tumor of the ascending colon is presented, and the relevant medical literature is reviewed. It seems that the biologic behavior of this tumor in the colon does not differ from that in other locations. Histologically, a few granular cells are seen in neural tissue in the vicinity of the tumor, suggesting a close relation of the tumor to the neural tissue. Electron-microscopically, the granular cells resemble Schwann cells more closely than neural cells and axons. Histochemically, the granules of the tumor cells show autofluorescence and high activity of acid phosphatase, which was located electron-microscopically in the limiting membranes and matrices of the granules. It is suggested that the granular-cell tumor is a neoplasm of Schwann-cell origin with a unique metabolism that causes acceleration of autophagocytosis and accumulation of ceroidlipofuscin.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pathology, University of Kansas, College of Health Sciences and Hospital, Rainbow Boulevard at 39th Street, 66103, Kansas City, Kansas

    Sumio Kanabe M.D., Itaru Watanabe M.D., D.M.Sc. & Luisa Lotuaco M.D.

  2. Veterans Administration Hospital, 64128, Kansas City, Missouri

    Sumio Kanabe M.D., Itaru Watanabe M.D., D.M.Sc. & Luisa Lotuaco M.D.

Authors
  1. Sumio Kanabe M.D.
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  2. Itaru Watanabe M.D., D.M.Sc.
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  3. Luisa Lotuaco M.D.
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Kanabe, S., Watanabe, I. & Lotuaco, L. Multiple granular-cell tumors of the ascending colon: Microscopic study. Dis Colon Rectum 21, 322–328 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02586660

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02586660

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