Living with Granular cell tumor
A soft tissue tumor that can occur anywhere in the body, most often a painless lump in the skin of the head and neck, and usually noncancerous.
Understanding Granular cell tumor
They are thought to arise from Schwann cells, which surround and insulate nerve cells. Most are benign (noncancerous), though some may be locally aggressive. They affect females more often than males and usually appear as a single painless mass, though a few people have several. Most are in the skin of the head and neck, especially inside the mouth, with the tongue the most common site.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition. The summary says it usually appears as:
- A single painless lump or mass
- Multiple tumors, in a few people
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Cancer Society
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD describes the tumors as arising from Schwann cells. They can be part of some genetic syndromes, such as LEOPARD syndrome and neurofibromatosis.
Also known as: abrikosoff's granulous cell tumor; abrikosoff's tumor; abrikosov's tumor; abrikossoff tumor; abrikossoff tumour; abrikossoff's tumor
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyGranular cell tumor · United States
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Perspectives from people navigating life with Granular cell tumor.
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