Tongue neurofibroma: An oral manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 - case report

The neurofibroma is a benign tumor of neural origin that is relatively uncommon and even rare in the oral cavity. It is mostly associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, a dominant and rare autosomal disease characterized by the reduced tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin. The aim of this study is to describe a case of oral neurofibroma associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 and to review the relevant literature. A 41-year-old male diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 reported a slow-growing nodule in his tongue, which was asymptomatic. Physical examination showed a sessile nodular lesion covered by intact mucosa located at the back of the tongue. Numerous soft-consistency nodules were observed on various areas of the skin, as well as café-au-lait skin macules. Considering the diagnoses of focal fibrous hyperplasia or benign tumor of mesenchymal origin, an excisional biopsy was performed. Histopathological examination established the diagnosis of neurofibroma. There were no signs of recurrence after 2 years of follow-up.