Solitary neurofibroma of the hard palate: case report and literature review

Abstract

Introduction: Neurofibromas are benign tumors that arise from the peripheral nerve sheath. They are characterized by the proliferation of Schwann cells, perineural cells and endoneural fibroblasts. They can be solitary or associated with syndromes such as neurofibromatosis type I and type II. Its appearance in the oral cavity is rare, with the tongue being the most common location. Clinically, they present as papular, nodular and tumorous lesions with a sessile or pedunculated base that vary in size, fibrous consistency, and color similar to the surrounding tissues. Case report: 72-year-old woman with a history of meningioma, presented for consultation to change removable total prostheses, a papular lesion close to the line of vibration was observed at the junction of the hard and soft palate on the right side of the midline, coinciding with the posterior limit of the upper prosthesis, size 10 x 8 mm, color similar to the surrounding tissues, smooth surface, soft on palpation and unknown evolution time, asymptomatic patient. An excisional biopsy was performed and the histopathological study plus immunohistochemistry for S100 confirmed that it was a solitary neurofibroma. The patient’s progress was good, with no recurrence. Conclusions: the importance of considering neurofibroma as a possible diagnosis of papular and tumor lesions on the palate is highlighted.  In addition, as in this case, a complete anamnesis, a correct surgical intervention and the anatomopathological study allowed a definitive diagnosis of the lesion.