Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue, which can impact the brain, spinal cord, and the nerves that send signals to all other parts of the body.

There are three types of neurofibromatosis: neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1), neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) and schwannomatosis. NF1 is typically diagnosed in childhood, while NF2 and schwannomatosis are typically diagnosed in early adulthood.

In all cases, the tumors are usually benign, or noncancerous, but can sometimes become cancerous. Symptoms are often mild but may include difficulty balancing, vision issues, chronic pain, seizures, learning disabilities, and bone deformities.

The specialists in the GW Cancer Center’s Neuro Oncology Program are highly trained to diagnose and treat all types of neurofibromatosis.