Neurofibromatosis, also called von Recklinghausen’s disease is a genetically inherited disease of nerve tissue. It causes tumors to grow on nerves (neurofibromas) that lie on or under the skin anywhere in the body. It affects the development and growth of nerve cell tissues. The tumors are usually benign (noncancerous). Even so, in some cases, they can be disfiguring. They tend to grow in many numbers and varying sizes, over the period of years.

Neurofibromatosis is a genetically inherited disease. If either parent has neurofibromatosis, then there is 50% chance of having the disease in their children. Neurofibromatosis also appears in families with no previous history of the condition. It results from change (mutation) in the genetic material of the sperm or egg during the time of conception.

Diagnosis is mainly done by physical examination and enquiring about the family history of neurofibromatosis. One should have at least two of the following signs and symptoms to diagnose with neurofibromatosis.

MRI and X-ray are done for the screening of tumors and skeletal abnormalities. In NF2 - audiometry test for hearing loss.

Can Neurofibromatosis be cured? Most of the time it does not need treatment but if the tumors are painful, disfiguring, growing and compressing the adjacent tissues may need treatment.

Surgery: Large tumors may be removed surgically. Chances of growth of tumor at the same place, after the surgery, are very high. The doctor may remove a tumor and also treat bone abnormalities by surgical means.