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Background <p>Granular cell tumor (GCTs) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of neural origin, often challenging to diagnose at first presentation due to its resemblance to other lesions and pathologies. Axillary localization poses a particular diagnostic challenge because of its potential to mimic lymphoproliferative disorders or metastatic breast disease. Accurate identification is crucial to avoid inappropriate treatment.</p> Case presentation <p>We report the case of a 33-year-old Nigerian woman who presented with a painless, palpable mass in the left axilla, initially suspected to be an abnormal lymphadenopathy. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-circumscribed soft tissue lesion, making direct assessment essential for a definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Final histopathological evaluation confirmed a benign&#xa0;granular cell tumor with negative surgical margins. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.</p> Conclusions <p>This case highlights the importance of including granular cell tumor in the&#xa0;differential diagnosis of axillary masses. A multimodal diagnostic approach,&#xa0;incorporating imaging and histopathological confirmation, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Conventional open surgery remains a highly reliable and effective approach for achieving the best curative and prognostic outcome.</p>

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Diagnostic puzzle—a case of an axillary soft tissue granular cell tumor mimicking a breast cancer lymphadenopathy: diagnostic challenge and surgical treatment

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月21日

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  • Dario Cattel,
  • Francesca Steccanella,
  • Giovanni Fabbrocile,
  • Elio Donnarumma,
  • Alessandro Puzziello

摘要

Background

Granular cell tumor (GCTs) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm of neural origin, often challenging to diagnose at first presentation due to its resemblance to other lesions and pathologies. Axillary localization poses a particular diagnostic challenge because of its potential to mimic lymphoproliferative disorders or metastatic breast disease. Accurate identification is crucial to avoid inappropriate treatment.

Case presentation

We report the case of a 33-year-old Nigerian woman who presented with a painless, palpable mass in the left axilla, initially suspected to be an abnormal lymphadenopathy. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a well-circumscribed soft tissue lesion, making direct assessment essential for a definitive diagnosis. Complete surgical excision was performed. Final histopathological evaluation confirmed a benign granular cell tumor with negative surgical margins. The postoperative course was uneventful, and no recurrence was observed during follow-up.

Conclusions

This case highlights the importance of including granular cell tumor in the differential diagnosis of axillary masses. A multimodal diagnostic approach, incorporating imaging and histopathological confirmation, is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning. Conventional open surgery remains a highly reliable and effective approach for achieving the best curative and prognostic outcome.