Traumatic neuroma on the tongue tip: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Introduction: Traumatic neuroma is a non-neoplastic proliferation of a nerve occurring in response to an injury or surgery. Traumatic neuroma on the tongue tip is a very rare proliferating lesion in the oral cavity. We present a case of traumatic neuroma on the tongue tip. This case may be valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of the neuroma. Case Report: A 79-year-old man developed a painful nodule on the tongue tip. Histologically, the nodule consisted of a tortuous proliferation of nerve fascicles, and diagnosed as a traumatic neuroma. The bundles of the neuroma expressed a strong activity of the neural marker S-100. Expression of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) being a phenotypic marker of myoblast activity was also positive in the surrounding connective tissues of the nodule suggesting a relation to the painful natures of the neuroma. Cross-sectioned nerve bundles of the neuromas seemed to be 5–7 times larger than of the normal bundles suggesting intensity of proliferation the nerve bundles. The neuroma was considered to occur by repeated stimuli of the tongue tip to the front teeth. Conclusion: Traumatic neuroma on the tongue tip is quite rare. Onset of the neuroma was suggested repeated stimuli of the tongue tip to the front teeth. Expression of α-SMA of the bundles of the neuroma seemed to accord with the painful natures of the neuroma.