Pulmonary granular cell tumor suspected by intraoperative imprint cytology

―A case report―

Abstract

Pulmonary granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare tumor derived from Schwann cells. Herein, we report a case of pulmonary GCT, in which intraoperative imprint cytology contributed to the diagnosis. Imaging showed a tumor in the right upper lobe of the lungs. Bronchoscopy revealed bronchial obstruction of the right B². No tumor cells were detected in the bronchial washings or on brushing cytology. Right upper lobectomy was performed. Based on the coarsely granular cytoplasm without nuclear atypia observed on intraoperative imprint cytology, GCT was strongly suspected. With a good knowledge of cytological characteristics, GCT may be diagnosed by careful cytological examination.