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 that link 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 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 2. In this rare condition, you may develop tumors on nerves affecting your hearing and balance (vestibular schwannomas or acoustic neuromas). Tumors may also 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).

Read more about diagnosis and treatment of neurofibromatosis.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for neurofibromatosis

• Expertise and experience. Mayo Clinic doctors have experience 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) may work with doctors trained in nerve surgery (neurosurgeons), skin conditions (dermatologists), hereditary conditions (medical geneticists), head and neck conditions (otorhinolaryngologists), eye conditions (ophthalmologists), musculoskeletal conditions and surgery (orthopedic surgeons), and other areas to evaluate and treat neurofibromatosis.
• Diagnostic tests. Doctors at Mayo Clinic perform physical examinations and may order genetic tests, imaging tests, vision tests, hearing tests or other tests to diagnose neurofibromatosis.
• Treatment. At Mayo Clinic, some people with neurofibromatosis may benefit from monitoring or surgery. People with neurofibromatosis type 2 may be treated with surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, cochlear implants or an auditory brainstem implant.
• Research. Mayo Clinic doctors study genetics, causes, and new and improved treatments for people with neurofibromatosis.

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

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At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

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