Persistently altered visceral perception after resection of an esophageal granular cell myoblastoma: a therapeutic concept revisited

Z Gastroenterol. 2003 Sep;41(9):917-20. doi: 10.1055/s-2003-41826.

Abstract

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and usually benign gastrointestinal tumors. Their most frequent symptoms are dysphagia and epigastric or retrosternal discomfort. We here report a case of esophageal GCT with continued symptoms of retrosternal discomfort, postprandial feeling of fullness, and early satiety despite complete thoracoscopic resection of the tumor. In contrast, all functional tests were in the normal range. We thus suggest that, due to their neuroectodermal origin, GCTs may affect neuronal alterations leading to a persistently disturbed visceral mechanosensory perception. Consequently, this case also cautions the therapeutic concept to solely relieve GCT symptoms by resection if the tumor is less than 20 mm in diameter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Endoscopy
  • Endosonography
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Esophageal Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Esophagus / pathology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Granular Cell Tumor / diagnosis
  • Granular Cell Tumor / diagnostic imaging
  • Granular Cell Tumor / pathology
  • Granular Cell Tumor / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Perceptual Disorders / etiology*
  • Postoperative Complications*
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Time Factors