trigeminal nerves

Good evening

I have a question regarding neurofibromatosis.  I was given the dx of neurofibromatosis when I was just a child.  I have all the classic lumps and bumps, cafe au lait spots, etc and now they think that they are not internal.  There was a question of that years ago when tumors were found on both brachials, but subsequent MRIs show that they have disappeared.  I wasn't aware that they could go away but there you go.  Anyways, my dentist has been telling me for the past year that there is a spongy swelling on the back gum.  They are somewhat perplexed by this as it is always there, x-rays reveal no infection, decay, etc.  There is no pain, discomfort, etc.  My question is this, can this be a neurofibroma possibly stemming from the trigeminal nerve?  I am prone to nasty migraines (MRIs on the eighth cranial nerve do not show any tumour there), and my jaw was constantly locking a couple years back.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

Thanks for writing in.
Yes neurofbromas involving second division of the trigeminal nerve may extend to upper jaw and upper gums. When the tumor grows along the third division of trigeminal nerve lower jaw, gums and two thirds of the tongue may get enlarged.
Hope this answers your question.