An Adolescent With a Granular Cell Bronchogenic Tumor: A Rare Case Report and Review of the Literature

Abstract

Primary pulmonary tumors are rare in pediatric patients, and benign types are more frequently observed than malignant ones. Granular cell tumors (GCTs), of neuroectodermal origin, are uncommon in the lungs and especially rare in children. We report a case of a 16-year-old female with persistent respiratory symptoms initially diagnosed as asthma, who was ultimately found to have a bronchial granular cell tumor. The diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically, and the lesion was removed via rigid bronchoscopy. We also provide a review of the literature focusing on pediatric pulmonary GCTs. Granular cell tumors should be considered in the differential diagnosis of adolescents with persistent respiratory symptoms unresponsive to medical therapy. Early imaging and bronchoscopy can assist in timely diagnosis and lung-sparing treatment.