title: Giant granular cell tumor of the suprasellar area: immunocytochemical and electron microscopic studies.
abstract: We describe a case of a granular cell tumor (GCT) of the suprasellar region with an 11-year history in a 26-year-old woman. The computed tomographic scan showed a midline, contrast-enhancing, noncalcified mass. The biopsy was diagnosed as GCT. The tumor was treated with radiation therapy. At necropsy, a large, homogeneous GCT surrounded by gliosis was found. The tumor cells were filled with granules positive for periodic acid-Schiff, diastase-resistant. The cells did not contain glial fibrillary acidic protein or S-100 protein. Electron microscopy showed tumor cells filled with innumerable lysosomal structures. No intermediate filament was found within the cytoplasm. The tumor cells were not surrounded by a basement membrane. Based on this study and on our review of the literature, the suggestion that GCT has a multicellular origin is upheld.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D003594:Cytoplasmic Granules / Q000032:analysis; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005260:Female; D005870:Giant Cell Tumors / Q000032:analysis* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008247:Lysosomes / Q000032:analysis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D008297:Male; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D009418:S100 Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D013194:Staining and Labeling
chemical_list: D005904:Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein; D009418:S100 Proteins