Coexistent pulmonary granular cell tumor and adenocarcinoma of the lung

We report a case of granular cell tumor (GCT) of the lung with coexistent invasive adenocarcinoma. GCTs are rare tumors and often benign and amenable to local bronchoscopic excision. However, occasionally they are more aggressive and locally infiltrative requiring definitive surgical resection. Our patient had a central and infiltrative GCT, in addition a very small (6 mm) peripheral nodule in the same lobe as the GCT, which after careful examination of the surgical specimen during grossing was found to be an invasive adenocarcinoma. There are a few reports in the literature of GCTs with coexistent bronchogenic cancer. Our case highlights the importance of careful evaluation and exploration of the surgical specimens during grossing of patients with GCTs. In GCT patients presenting with additional pulmonary nodules, a more definitive surgical approach should be considered.