Isolated Plexiform Neurofibroma of the Tongue

Abstract

ABSTRACTNeurofibromas (NF) are benign tumors of neural origin, of which roughly 90% appear as solitary lesions. They are classified into cutaneous, subcutaneous, and plexiform subtypes. Plexiform neurofibromas are the least common variant and usually are pathognomonic for NF I. Here, we present a very rare case of isolated plexiform neurofibroma with a painless enlarging mass of the tongue of an 11-year-old girl. This rare benign tumor has the potential for malignant transformation, and the diagnosis was difficult owing to the patient's age and to the insidious clinical presentation. The present case is a diffuse isolated plexiform neurofibroma of the tongue that was not associated with neurofibromatosis that was treated with intraoral surgery.