Granular Cell Tumor Of The Female Breast

Granular cell tumors are also referred to as granular cell neuromas, Abrikossoff's tumors, or granular cell myoblastomas. These rare and mostly benign neoplasms originate from Schwann cells of peripheral nerves. In 5 - 6% of cases, the lesion is located inside the breast where it may mimic the clinical and imaging features of invasive breast cancer. We report on a 52-year-old patient who palpated a firm mass in the sternocostal region of her left breast during breast self-examination. The suspicious area did not reveal any mammographic anomalies. The character of the lesion was not assessable by ultrasonography. Ultrasound-guided core biopsy did not reveal the diagnosis either. Breast MRI was most compatible with breast cancer. Histopathologic analysis after diagnostic excision revealed a granular cell tumor. We discuss pathological and clinical features including diagnostic imaging, management, and prognosis of this rare condition.