What is neurofibromatosis?
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 is also called generalized neurofibromatosis, or NF-1. It is inherited (genetic) and is a chronic (ongoing) condition. It affects about 1 in every 4000 people.
NF-1 causes small noncancerous tumors to grow on nerves. This is common in the skin and can happen in other places in the body. NF-1 may affect your child's eyes, bones, and blood vessels. It can also affect the stomach, intestines, nerves, and brain.
How is NF-1 diagnosed?
Your child's healthcare provider will do an exam. Your child probably has NF-1 if he has 2 or more of the following features:
- Several large brown skin spots called cafe-au-lait spots. Most people with NF-1 have 6 or more cafe-au-lait spots. Fewer than 6 spots is fairly common in people who do not have NF-1.
- 2 or more rubbery bumps called neurofibromas.
- Freckling in the armpits or groin areas.
- A growth on the nerve to the eye called an optic glioma.
- Growths on the iris of the eyes called Lisch nodules.
- Thinning of the long bones (with or without joint problems).
- A close relative (parent, brother or sister, or child) with NF-1.
Genetic tests are available to diagnose NF-1. The tests do not predict the severity of the case of NF-1. Contact your nearest NF-1 clinic if you have questions about these tests.
What problems or symptoms will my child have?
Babies with NF-1 tend to be shorter than average, with heads somewhat larger than average.
When a child with NF-1 is born, he or she may only have the brown spots. The size of the spots varies from 1/4 inch in diameter to several inches. Sometimes newborns have armpit freckling and, occasionally, neurofibromas.
New brown spots often appear during infancy and early childhood. The spots will not harm your child. As children grow older, the spots and tumors tend to increase in number and size. The neurofibromas are particularly prone to increase in size during the teen years and pregnancy.
Neurofibromas may develop in other body organs other than skin. Depending on where they develop, they sometimes cause problems. Neurofibromas that put pressure on vital structures (for example, blood vessels) may do damage. Other problems include thinning of the bones of the skull and legs, curvature of the spine, and early or delayed puberty.
For reasons that are not well understood, learning disorders are more common in people with NF-1. Speech problems, hyperactivity, attention problems, and seizures are also somewhat more common and may contribute to the learning problems. High blood pressure may occur. Some cancers occur in greater than expected rates in people with NF-1.
What is the treatment?
Many healthcare providers will care for your child. The schedule for well-child visits is the same as for other children. However, there are some extra services and care your child needs.
Many studies are now being done to find better treatments for NF-1. Surgery to remove the neurofibromas is sometimes done. They need to be removed surgically when they:
- may damage vital organs
- cause pain
- are infected
- are a cosmetic concern.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?
Call during office hours if:
- You are worried about your child's:
- learning or behavior
- nervous system
- curvature of the back.
- The medicine your provider recommended for itching is not helping.
- You have other questions.
The Children's Tumor Foundation (800-323-7938) provides information about medical advances as well as resources in the community for early detection of problems and support groups. Their Web site can be accessed at http://www.ctf.org.
Written by Robert Brayden, MD, Professor of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Published by RelayHealth.
Last modified: 2009-12-10
Last reviewed: 2009-10-26
This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes
available. The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical
evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a health care professional.