Granular cell tumor of the esophagus: a study of seven cases diagnosed by histologic examination of endoscopic biopsies.

Among the benign tumors of the esophagus, the discovery of a granular cell tumor is exceptional. Although endoscopy permits recognition of this tumor and supports its benign nature, only histologic examination of the endoscopic biopsy specimen permits one to determine its precise nature. The endoscopic appearance of esophageal granular cell tumor ranges from a plaque-like thickening of the mucosa to a polypoid mass. We describe here seven cases of granular cell tumor of the esophagus diagnosed by histologic examination of endoscopic biopsy specimens. We believe the actual incidence of this tumor in this location might be greater if every esophagus were given as much attention at endoscopic examination and at autopsy.