Neurofibromatosis Clinic

What is Neurofibromatosis?

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is one of the most common genetic conditions and can affect anyone, regardless of family history, race, sex, or ethnic background.

There are two types of NF, type 1 (NF1) and type 2 (NF2).  NF1 affects approximately one out of every 3,000 individuals.  NF2 affects one out of every 40,000 individuals.  NF1 and NF2 are separate conditions.  An individual or an individual's family with one type is not at increased risk to develop the other.

Both forms of NF are characterized by the growth of benign tumors called neurofibromas.  These tumors can grow anywhere in the body where there are nerve cells.  This includes nerves just under the surface of the skin, as well as nerves deeper within the body, spinal cord, and/or brain.

In NF1, neurofibromas most commonly grow on the skin or on the nerve to the eye.  A tumor that grows on the nerve to the eye is called an optic glioma, and if it grows large enough can cause problems with vision, including blindness.

In NF2, neurofibromas most commonly grow within the spinal cord or brain.  Specifically, the tumors are found on the nerves to the ear, called acoustic neuromas, or the nerves for balance, called vestibular schwannomas. Acoustic neuromas, if large enough, can lead to deafness.

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