Endoscopic Resection of Esophageal Granular Cell Tumors: A Single Center Experience

Abstract

\n Background: Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare tumors probably originating from neurogenic Schwann cells. The aim was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of endoscopic resection for esophageal GCTs. Methods: The study retrospectively analyzed patients with pathologically diagnosed esophageal GCTs in our center from February 2012 to December 2020. Clinicopathological characteristics, endoscopic features and clinical outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: 12 males and 10 females were identified. Lesions were located in the upper, middle and lower esophagus in three, six and thirteen cases respectively. 14 lesions (63.6%) exhibited white-to-yellow discoloration. The mean maximum diameter of these lesions was 5.7±2.2 mm (range 2-11.6 mm). The most lesions (91%) were located in the mucosa or submucosa layer, and 2 lesions (9.0%) were in the muscularis propria layer. Endoscopic mucosal resection (n=17), endoscopic submucosal dissection (n=4) and endoscopic submucosal excavation (n=1) were performed. En bloc resection was achieved in 20 lesions (90.9%). The R0 resection was achieved in 20 lesions (90.9%). No patients experienced intraoperative perforation or delayed bleeding in the mean length of postoperative hospital stay of 4.2±2.1 days (range 1-9 days). All patients had no recurrence or metastasis during the mean follow-up period of 48.1±27.2 months (range 2-102 months). Conclusion: Endoscopic resection is safe and effective for management of esophageal GCTs. Clinically, the appropriate approach of endoscopic resection should be selected according to the origin and size of the lesion.