Tuberous sclerosis: a case report

Tuberous sclerosis is an inherited neurocutaneous disorder that occurs in approximately 1 in 7,500 live births. It is characterized by benign neoplasms of the skin, heart, kidneys, lungs, central nervous system, and mucosa. Oral lesions are usually fibrous in nature and most commonly occur on the anterior gingivae. Patients may suffer with epilepsy and learning difficulties, which may complicate dental management. When a 10-year-old girl with a history of tuberous sclerosis was brought in for a routine dental check-up, a leafy growth on the anterior gingiva was detected. An excisional biopsy was carried out. Histologically, the appearance was described as nonspecific, but was consistent with a diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis. Tuberous sclerosis is a rare condition that may exhibit oral manifestations. The patients may also exhibit epilepsy and learning difficulties. Dental management of affected patients may therefore be more complicated and complex.