Neurilemoma, or schwannoma, is a benign, encapsulated perineural tumor of neuroectodermal derivation that originates from the Schwann cells of the neural sheath of peripheral motor and sensory nerves. Its etiology is unknown. The tumor normally presents as a solitary, slow growing, smooth-surfaced and generally asymptomatic firm mass. It may develop at any age; however, it is common in patients of either sex between the ages of 20 and 50 years. The tumor is frequently located on the head and neck; however, oral lesions are quite uncommon. Intraorally, the mobile portion of the tongue is the most frequent site involved. Schwannoma of the alveolar mucosa is extremely rare in the oral region. Only four cases of oral neurilemomas occurring in the gingival or alveolar mucosa have been reported in the English literature since 1960. Here, we describe a 12- year-old boy with schwannoma of the alveolar mucosa, and the clinicopathological characteristics of the tumor are discussed.