What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Benign Granular Cell Myoblastoma of Salivary Gland
• Benign Granular Cell Nerve Sheath Tumor of Salivary Gland
• Benign Salivary Gland Granular Cell Tumor

What is Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland? (Definition/Background Information)

• Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a common, ‘mostly benign’ tumor of the soft tissue, which can occur anywhere in the body. Some researchers note that the tumor may be of neural origin (relating to a nerve)
• Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is a very rare tumor that is typically observed in the parotid gland. It is usually noticed in young and middle-aged adults with a preference for females
• In a majority of the cases, the tumor is present as a single nodule; though rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple nodules too. Small tumors may be painless and asymptomatic, while larger ones may cause chewing, speaking difficulties
• The diagnosis of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is generally challenging, since it is very rare. However, the diagnosis can be confirmed through a tissue biopsy
• The treatment for Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland involves surgery. The prognosis is typically excellent in a vast majority of cases, since it is benign
• However, tumors with infiltrative margins can recur following their surgical removal. Also, some tumors are known to undergo malignant transformations

Who gets Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is a rare tumor that can affect individual of any age, but is usually seen between the ages 30 and 50 years
• It is infrequently observed in children, and very rarely, a congenital appearance is noted
• Both males and females are affected by GCT; though, it is more common in females than males
• In general, granular cell tumors are more common in African Americans than Caucasians

What are the Risk Factors for Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland? (Predisposing Factors)

• No documented risk factors have been reported for Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland
• Even though granular cell tumors do not usually run within families, rare cases of increased incidence within families have been reported

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is unknown.

• Researchers have documented certain genetic changes within the tumor. However, cases where these specific genetic mutations have been observed are rare. Thus, studies regarding genetic changes are limited
• GCT is not associated with any known congenital syndrome

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland?

The signs and symptoms of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland may include:

• Granular cell tumors are usually presents as a single nodule
• Rarely, the tumor can occur as multiple nodules. About 1 in 10 individuals with GCT may have multiple tumors on the body (including the mouth)
• Small tumors are asymptomatic and present no pain
• Most salivary gland GCTs affect the major salivary glands, predominantly the parotid gland
• Oral cavity GCTs are known to affect the tongue, inner cheeks, hard/soft palate, gums, and floor of the mouth

How is Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland Diagnosed?

A Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is a slow-growing tumor. If GCT occurs in non-skin areas, then the diagnosis is usually more difficult to make, since the tumor is not readily visible. A Benign Salivary Gland Granular Cell Tumor is diagnosed using the following methods:

• Complete physical examination and a thorough medical history
• Plain X-ray of the head and neck region
• Ultrasound scan of the affected salivary gland
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the head and neck may show a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the scanned region
• MRI scans of head and neck region: A magnetic field is used to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor

Although the above modalities can be used to make an initial diagnosis, a tissue biopsy of the tumor is necessary to make a definitive diagnosis to begin treatment. The tissue for diagnosis can be procured in multiple different ways which include: 

• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy of the tumor: A FNA biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a FNA biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy may be recommended.  
• Salivary gland core biopsy of the tumor
• Salivary gland open biopsy of the tumor

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland?

There are usually no complications arising due to a Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland. However, in some cases, the complications could include:

• Discomfort while speaking, eating, etc.
• Surgery to remove the tumor mass may result in facial nerve palsy (surgical complication)
• Post-surgical wound infection
• Tumors may recur after their surgical removal
• A granular cell tumor may become malignant, even though this is a rare occurrence

How is Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland Treated?

The treatment measures for Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland include:

• Complete surgical resection of the tumor is usually curative. Occasionally, based upon the location of the tumor, complete removal of the tumor may be difficult. In such cases, the tumor may recur
• Sometimes, it is difficult to distinguish between a benign GCT and a malignant GCT. Hence, a complete removal of the tumor is mostly recommended
• Post-operative care is important: One must maintain minimum activity levels, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up following surgery/treatment is recommended

How can Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland be Prevented?

• The cause of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is unknown; hence, there are no known methods to prevent the tumor occurrence
• Early diagnosis with close monitoring and treatment of the tumor is important

What is the Prognosis of Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of a Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland is excellent with adequate treatment (surgery)
• If the tumor is incompletely removed, it may recur locally. Rarely, some tumors are known to undergo changes to become a malignant GCT

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Benign Granular Cell Tumor of Salivary Gland:

There are 3 major types of salivary glands and these include the following:

• Parotid glands, found on the sides of the face
• Submandibular glands located at the back of mouth, on both sides of the jaw
• Sublingual glands that are seen under the floor of the mouth

The following article link will help you understand other cancers and benign tumors:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/