Solitary neurofibroma: a rare occurrence on gingiva

Neurofibromas-benign, slow-growing nerve sheath neoplasms composed of Schwann cells, perineural cells, and fibroblasts-are common neurogenic tumors on skin but uncommon intraorally. A diagnosis of neurofibroma can be established by clinical and histologic examinations. This case report describes an unusual presentation of solitary neurofibroma on the lingual gingiva of the mandibular posterior region of a 22-year-old woman. The patient exhibited no systemic manifestations of neurofibromatosis. Excisional biopsy of the intraoral neurofibroma was performed. Histologically, the neoplasm showed lesional cells arranged in the form of interlacing fascicles. The cells were elongated and had dark-staining, wavy nuclei, ample cytoplasm, and distinct cell borders, all characteristic of Schwann cells. Based on the histopathologic findings, a final diagnosis of neurofibroma was made. The patient returned for periodic reexamination after excision of the tumor, and there was no recurrence after 15 months.