Neurofibromatosis Research Paper

Characteristics of Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a distinct genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on various types of nerves. The tumors are not exclusive to the nerves but can grow anywhere on a child or persons body. Not only does it affect nerves, it also can affect the skin and bones (Children’s Tumor Foundation “about NF”, n.d). There are three types of Neurofibromatosis: NF1, NF2, and Schwannomatosis.
Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is the most common form of NF. NF1 is also is called von Recklinghausen NF. Cafe-au-lait spots are one of the signs of NF1. These spots are skin abnormalities that are flat on the skin and darker than the surrounding skin. Another characteristic are neurofibromas (Children’s Tumor Foundation, n.d.). Neurofibromas are soft bumps on or under the skin that are tumors on or along the nerves (Torpy, Burke, and Glass, 2008).
Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) is also called Bilateral Acoustic NF (BAN). NF2 is a more rare form of

These tumors are constantly growing and most are inaccessible to surgical removal. NF could also cause malignant and bone abnormalities, vascular abnormalities, and pain. Neurofibromas are the most common benign tumor of NF and usually grow on or just under the skin. Sometimes these tumors can occur in deeper areas of the body. Studying NF1 is difficult in 60 % of all cases because of learning disabilities caused by the disorder (Kalamarides et al, 2011).
“Neurofibromas, which are composed of tissue from the nervous system (neuro) and fibrous tissue (fibroma), usually develop around puberty although they may appear at any age. The tumors are not contagious. Nodule-like surface tumors are known as dermal neurofibromas. Plexiform neurofibromas grow diffusely under the skin surface or in deeper areas of the body.”(Children’s Tumor Foundation, Diagnosis of NF1,