Management of pediatric airway granular cell tumor: role of laryngotracheal reconstruction

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the role of laryngotracheal reconstruction (LTR) in granular cell tumor (GCT) and to highlight the importance and seriousness of GCT in pediatric airway cases. METHODS: A historical literature review was performed and a GCT case from the University of Miami Pediatric Otolaryngology Clinic is presented to highlight the role of LTR in the treatment of GCT. RESULTS: A case of a GCT of the laryngotracheal airway is reported and the management is discussed. Histological discussion and a review of the literature are included regarding GCT. This case is the third reported in the English literature of two synchronous GCT lesions of the upper airway repaired with a laryngotracheal reconstruction. CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' experience once conservative management consisting of endoscopic debulking has failed the treatment of choice for GCTs of the pediatric airway that are unresectable is a single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction with negative frozen section pathology to assure total wide local excision.