Cerebral granular cell tumors: report of a case and a note on their nature and expected behavior.
A case of cerebral granular cell tumor (GCT) is reported. Histologically, the growth was composed of benign astrocytes, granular cells and transitional forms between both elements. Glial fibrillary acidic protein was detected in the glial component and, to a lesser extent, in the granular cells. Alpha-1-antichymotrypsin was demonstrated in the latter component only. Ultrastructural study also supported the evidence that neoplastic astrocytes became granular cells. The survey of the literature and our own results suggest that GCTs in this particular location, even when histologically benign, seem to have a worse prognosis than the low-grade supratentorial astrocytomas.
Albuquerque
L
L
Laboratory of Neuropathology (Department of Neurology), Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal.
Pimentel
J
J
Costa
A
A
Cristina
L
L
D001253:Astrocytes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D016586:Granular Cell Tumor / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D008875:Middle Aged; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein