Mast Cell Metabolism: A Viable Therapeutic Target against Intraoral Neurofibroma

Abstract

Neurofibroma being benign in its behavior remains silent in existence and hence can be mistaken for various reactive lesions of the oral cavity such as fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, or peripheral ossifying fibroma. Although it is a well-established fact that mast cells play the utmost significance in the tumorigenesis of such tumors, little is known about their importance in treatment modalities. Hence, we intend to present a case of intraoral neurofibroma emphasizing the significance of mast cells in therapeutic intervention of neurofibromas (NFs) as such tumors can be accompanied by syndromes and hence necessitates the thorough clinical as well as microscopical analysis as well as an adequate therapeutic approach. Our case revealed the presence of mast cells in the stroma which was further confirmed with toluidine blue staining. Infiltration of mast cells is frequently seen in NF; however, its presence is uncommon in other neoplasms. This distinctive feature can be taken as a target of interest in neurofibroma research. Current clinical treatment options for NF are limited to surgical removal and follow-up of the case. Hence, this warrants the need of better understanding of the role of mast cell-based targeted therapy for such cases. The strategies formulated against the tumors associated with neurofibroma cannot be only applied after the encounter with sporadic counterparts, specifically in terms of benign tumors linked to such disorders. The noteworthy significance of tumor microenvironment in tumorigenesis necessitates adequate clinical examination, followed by delineation of the differential diagnosis and therapeutic approach toward such cases.