Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a disease that affects the development and growth of nerve cell tissues. It causes tumors to grow on nerves and can affect many systems in the body including the skin, skeleton, and brain. The tumors, called neurofibromas, are usually benign (noncancerous) and grow on nerves within the body, as well as on and under the skin.

Neurofibromatosis can cause skin changes, bone deformities, and other problems. In many cases, symptoms are present at birth or develop during childhood. Some people have symptoms that are mild or not noticeable at all. In other people, neurofibromatosis causes significant disability.

There is no cure for neurofibromatosis. Many symptoms, however, can be treated and managed. Children with more severe symptoms will naturally require more medical attention than children who have mild symptoms. In many cases, neurofibromatosis symptoms worsen as a patient ages.