Case Report: Granular cell tumor of the axillary tail mimicking node-positive breast carcinoma — two cases with imaging–pathology correlation
By
Yuming Shao
Yang Xu
Shasha Song
Hao Lin
Jie Zhang
June 11, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Clinical Observations: Axillary Tail Granular Cell Tumor Resembling Node-Positive Breast Carcinoma — Imaging and Pathology Correlation in Two Cases
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Granular Cell Tumor of the Breast (GCTB) - a rare neoplasm with potential for benign and malignant behavior. Key Mechanisms Target Population Care Setting
Key Highlights
GCTB can mimic invasive breast carcinoma on imaging, leading to unnecessary surgeries. Preoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) is recommended for suspicious axillary tail masses. Histological confirmation is crucial due to the potential for malignant transformation. Distinguishing GCTB from ectopic axillary breast carcinoma is critical. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Management
Breast-conserving surgery and sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed if CNB is declined, particularly in cases with benign histology. Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Both reported cases remained disease-free at 12 and 36 months post-treatment; follow-up protocols should be established.
Clinical Best Practices
Utilize multimodal imaging for evaluation of axillary tail masses, including ultrasound, mammography, and MRI. Consider the potential for synchronous breast carcinoma in GCTB cases. Related Resources & Content
