Neurofibromatosis

Overview

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition that affects your nervous system and causes skin abnormalities or masses (tumors) to develop in your nervous system. Tumors may develop 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. Generally tumors are noncancerous (benign), but sometimes tumors are cancerous (malignant).

Neurofibromatosis types include:

• Neurofibromatosis type 1. This condition generally causes skin abnormalities and tumors on nerves (neurofibromas) on or under your skin or in other areas of your body.
• Neurofibromatosis type 2. In this rare condition, you may develop tumors on nerves affecting your hearing and balance (vestibular schwannomas or acoustic neuromas). Tumors also may form in your brain (gliomas), along the protective lining of your brain and spinal cord (meningiomas) or on nerves in other areas of your body.
• Schwannomatosis. In this condition, recently identified as a type of neurofibromatosis, tumors (schwannomas) develop on many nerves in your body, but tumors don't form on the nerve affecting your balance (vestibular nerve).

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience in evaluating and treating neurofibromatosis and other nervous system (neurological) conditions. The integrated team of specialists in the Neurofibromatosis Clinic at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota provides comprehensive care and support for you and your family.
• 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 head and neck conditions (otorhinolaryngologists) and doctors in several other areas work together to evaluate and treat neurofibromatosis.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study new and improved diagnosis and treatment options for people who have neurofibromatosis.

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.