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Neurofibromatosis Clinic

Description of Services

Understanding a common condition.

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is among the most common genetic disorders and can affect anyone, regardless of family history, age, race, gender, 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 people. NF2 affects one out of every 35,000 people. Both forms are characterized by the growth of benign tumors called neurofibromas. These tumors can grow anywhere in the body where there are nerve cells, including just under the surface of the skin, as well as deeper within the body, spinal cord, and/or brain.

In NF1, neurofibromas most commonly grow on the skin or on the nerves of the eyes. A tumor that grows on one of the nerves of the eyes is called an optic glioma. If it grows large enough, it can cause problems with vision and even blindness.

In NF2, neurofibromas most commonly grow within the spinal cord or brain. Specifically, the tumors are found on the nerves of the ear and can involve the branches that help hearing or balance. These so-called acoustic neuromas, if large enough, can lead to deafness or invade other parts of the base of the brain.

Learn more about neurofibromatosis.

Learn more about the Neurofibromatosis Clinic team.