Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder in the nervous system that causes tumors to form on the nerves in the body. Approximately 50% of individuals with neurofibromatosis have a family history of NF. The other 50% of cases occur from spontaneous genetic mutation.Neurofibromatosis has two forms, NF1 and NF2.

Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is also known as von Recklinghausen NF and Peripheral NF. Symptoms are characterized by: multiple cafe-au-lait spots and neurofibromas on the skin, deformation of bones, and scoliosis. Tumors may develop in the brain or on the spinal cord. Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is also known as Bilateral Acoustic NF (BAN), and is characterized by numerous tumors on the spinal and cranial nerves.