Neurofibromatosis
That which does not kill us, strengthens us.
- What is Neurofibromatoses (NF)?
- NF is a disease of the nervous system (brain,spine, and all the other nerves). It can cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities. NF is NOT contagious; the person is just born with it. NF occurs in both sexes and in all races and ethnic groups. Scientists have classified the disorders as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
- How does the doctor know it's Neurofibromatoses (NF)?
- The doctor checks to see if the person has two or more of the following signs or symptoms of the disease.
- Five or more odd-shaped light brown skin spots ("café-au-lait macules") the size of a dime or larger in kids.
- Two or more tumors growing on a nerve or nerve tissue or one tumor involving many nerves (neurofibromas);
- Lots of freckles in the armpit or groin areas;
- Non-tumorous growths on the iris of the eye (Lisch nodules);
- A tumor on the optic nerve (optic glioma);
- Severe curvature of the spine (scoliosis);
- Certain bones other than the spine being enlarged or deformed; and
- A parent, brother, sister, or child with NF1
- What can be done to treat Neurofibromatoses (NF)?
- Scientists continue to research ways to stop NF, but right now, the disease is incurable. Doctors can only treat the symptoms. Surgery is often necessary to remove dangerous and painful tumors or to correct bone deformaties.
