Solitary intraosseous neurofibroma of the oral cavity: rare localization in the maxilla

TL;DR

A rare case of a neurofibroma in the maxilla is reported, highlighting the importance of considering this diagnosis in unusual oral cavity tumors.

Contribution

This paper presents a rare case of solitary intraosseous neurofibroma in the maxilla and compiles existing literature to aid in diagnosis.

Findings

A 22-year-old male had a solitary intraosseous neurofibroma in the maxilla confirmed via histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

Solitary intraosseous neurofibromas in the maxilla are rare and often show nonspecific clinical and radiological features.

No tumor recurrence or malignant transformation was observed nine months post-surgery.

Abstract

Neurofibroma is a common benign tumor of neuronal origin that can occur as a solitary tumor or as a component of the generalized syndrome of neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromas are primarily located in the subcutaneous soft tissues and commonly involve extra-oral sites. Solitary intraosseous neurofibromas of the oral cavity are infrequent, with occurrences in the maxilla being exceedingly rare.

A 22-year-old male patient presented with an asymptomatic mass in the maxilla. Cone-beam computed tomography revealed a round, well-outlined, radiolucent lesion with expansive growth. The neoplasm with the complete capsule was completely removed and confirmed as a neurofibroma based on histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. The reported cases of solitary intraosseous neurofibromas located in the maxilla published in the English literature were compiled to assist in the diagnosis of solitary intraosseous neurofibromas of the maxilla. Nine months after the surgery, there were no signs of tumor recurrence or malignant transformation.

This report emphasizes that rare locations of neurofibromas, such as solitary intraosseous neurofibromas in the maxilla, typically demonstrate nonspecific clinical and radiological features. Clinicians should consider solitary intraosseous neurofibromas as possible differential diagnoses and recognize the histopathological and immunohistochemical features to confirm the correct diagnosis. A longer follow-up period is required because of the potential for local recurrence and malignant transformation of these tumors.

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