Definition: Unusual tumor affecting any site of the body, but most often encountered in the head and neck. Considerable debate has surrounded the histogenesis of this neoplasm; however, it is considered to be a myoblastoma of, usually, a benign nature. It affects women more often than men. When it develops beneath the epidermis or mucous membrane, it can lead to proliferation of the squamous cells and mimic squamous cell carcinoma.
benign or malignant; /blood supply /chem /second /secret /ultrastruct permitted; coord IM with precoord organ/neopl term (IM); do not confuse with GRANULOSA CELL TUMOR, an ovarian neopl