D2I2.
genetic

Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis (NF) refers to a group of three distinct conditions in which grow in the nervous system. The tumors are non-cancerous () and often involve the skin or surrounding bone. Although symptoms are often mild, each condition presents differently. Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is typically characterised by café au lait spots, neurofibromas, scoliosis, and headaches. Neurofibromatosis type II (NF2), on the other hand, may present with early-onset hearing loss, cataracts, tinnitus, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, and muscle . The third type is called schwannomatosis and often presents in early adulthood with widespread pain, numbness, or tingling due to nerve compression.

Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.

Symptoms — what it feels like

  • ·Small lumps within the skin, scoliosis, hearing loss, vision loss

Causes — why it happens

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How it's found

  • ·Symptoms, testing

Treatment

  • ·, therapy

Outlook

  • ·NF1: variable, but most of the time normal life expectancy
  • ·NF2: shortened life expectancy
Plain-language summary adapted from Wikipedia. Not medical advice.