Unilateral gingival enlargement in patient with neurofibromatosis type I

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor. It is a neurocutaneous disorder with two defined entities: (1) Peripheral type I (NF1), described by von Recklinghausen; and (2) central type II, affecting mainly the central nervous system. NF1, the more common type, is an autosomal dominant, inherited disease, characterized by neural and cutaneous manifestations, as well as skeletal, oral and jaw expressions. All oral tissues have been reported to be affected with this tumoral disorder. Gingival neurofibroma in NF1 is uncommon. Diagnosis of NF1 is based upon a series of clinical criteria. The purpose of this report is to present a case of NF1 with a unilateral gingival neurofibroma in the buccal attached gingiva of the lower left molars, along with a review of the literature. Because NF1 is among the most common genetic diseases and its oral manifestations are commonplace, dentists should be aware of its different characteristics.