Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Overview

Neurofibromatosis type 1 is a genetic condition that affects the nervous system and causes skin abnormalities and masses (tumors) to develop in your nervous system. Tumors may develop on nerves (neurofibromas) on or under your skin, on nerves linking your brain and spinal cord to other parts of your body (peripheral nerve tumors) or on nerves in other areas of your body. Usually these tumors are noncancerous (benign), but sometimes tumors can become cancerous (malignant).

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience in evaluating and treating neurofibromatosis type 1 and other nervous system (neurological) conditions. The integrated team of specialists in the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota offers you coordinated care to treat your condition and any complications you may experience.
• Teamwork. Mayo Clinic doctors trained in nervous system conditions (neurologists), doctors trained in nerve surgery (neurosurgeons), doctors trained in skin conditions (dermatologists), doctors trained in hereditary conditions (medical geneticists), doctors trained in musculoskeletal conditions and surgery (orthopedic surgeons) and other doctors diagnose and treat neurofibromatosis type 1.
• Research. Doctors conduct research studying new or improved diagnosis and treatment options for people who have neurofibromatosis type 1.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Mayo Clinic also ranks among the Best Children's Hospitals in neurology and neurosurgery.

Read more about neurofibromatosis at MayoClinic.com.