Solitary neurofibroma of the gingiva

Abstract

Neurofibroma is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor, usually found in association with Von Recklinghausen's disease of the skin. The solitary variant commonly occurs in the head and neck region, mostly affecting young adults. They are characteristically slow-growing masses, often asymptomatic and have been found most commonly in the tongue and buccal mucosa. A recent literature review highlighting incidences in various other locations has been tabulated here. We also report a case of a solitary neurofibroma of the gingiva in a 72-year-old male of 15 years duration. Histopathology revealed a fibromyxoid stroma with sinuous nerve bundles with buckled nuclei.