Giant granular cell tumor of the suprasellar area: immunocytochemical and electron microscopic studies

Neurosurgery. 1984 Aug;15(2):246-51. doi: 10.1227/00006123-198408000-00017.

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Brain Neoplasms / analysis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / ultrastructure
  • Cytoplasmic Granules / analysis
  • Cytoskeleton / ultrastructure
  • Female
  • Giant Cell Tumors / analysis*
  • Giant Cell Tumors / ultrastructure
  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein / analysis
  • Humans
  • Lysosomes / analysis
  • Lysosomes / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • S100 Proteins / analysis
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
  • S100 Proteins