Gaucher-like cells in a granular cell tumor.

The macrophages in connective tissue stroma and the tumor cells of granular cell tumors have many histochemical features similar to those of Gaucher cells. Ultrastructural examination of a granular cell tumor revealed the stromal cells to contain inclusions of various sizes and shapes. These inclusions, which contained macrophages, greatly resembled the Gaucher-like cells seen in various hematologic conditions and in lobomycosis. The Gaucher-like cells in the stroma of the granular cell tumor are formed presumably by the phagocytosis of material derived from the breakdown of the tumor cells, which are rich in glucoside and cerebroside.