Description

A neurofibroma is a type of tumor of the peripheral nerve that form a soft bump on or under the skin. The tumor may develop within the greater or lesser of the nerves in any part of the body.

This common type of nerve tumor tends to centrally on the nerve. A neurofibroma forms the protective covering of the nerves, known as the sheath of the nerve. Sometimes it grows in several nerve bundles. When this happens, it is called a plexiform neurofibroma.

A neurofibroma can cause mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. If the tumor presses against the nerves, or it grows inside of them, can cause pain or numbness.

A neurofibroma in general, it is not cancer. Rarely, it can turn into cancer.

Symptoms

A neurofibroma may not cause symptoms. If you develop these symptoms are usually mild. When a neurofibroma grows on or under the skin, symptoms may include:

  • A bulge in the skin. The lump may be the color of his skin, or the color pink or light brown.
  • Pain.
  • The bleeding.

If a neurofibroma becomes large or press against it, or grows on a nerve, the symptoms may include:

  • Pain.
  • A tingling sensation.
  • Numbness, or weakness.
  • Change in the appearance, when a large neurofibroma is on the face.

Some people with neurofibromas have a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). A person with NF1 may have many of the neurofibromas. The number of neurofibromas increases with age.

A tumor that involves many nerves, known as a plexiform neurofibroma, can occur in a person with NF1. This type of neurofibroma can grow and cause pain. They can also become cancerous.

Causes

A neurofibroma can arise without a known cause, or it can appear in people with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. Neurofibromas are most often found in people between the ages of 20 to 30 years of age.

Risk factors

The only known risk factor for neurofibromas is to have the genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). People with NF1 have multiple neurofibromas, along with other symptoms. In about half of people with NF1, the disease is passed from parents. However, the majority of people with neurofibromas do not have NF1.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis of a neurofibroma, your health care professional gives you a physical exam and review of your medical history.

You may need an imaging test, such as magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography. Image can help you to find the location of the tumor. CT and MRI can also find very small tumors and show that the tissues are affected. A pet scan can reveal if the tumor is cancerous. A non-cancerous tumor that is known as benign.

A sample of the neurofibroma can be taken and analysed for diagnosis. This is known as biopsy. A biopsy may also be necessary if the surgery is considered as a treatment.

Treatment

Neurofibroma treatment is not necessary for a single tumor that presents no symptoms. Health professionals usually oversee the neurofibroma. Surgery may be needed if the tumor is causing symptoms or for cosmetic reasons. Treatment may include:

  • Monitoring. Your health care professional may recommend observation of a small neurofibroma that does not cause symptoms. The monitoring may also be recommended if the neurofibroma of the causes of the symptoms, but is located in an area that makes it difficult to remove. The observation includes routine check-ups and imaging tests to see if the tumor is growing.
  • Medicine for the treatment of a plexiform neurofibroma. Selumetinib (Koselugo) has been approved for the treatment of a plexiform neurofibroma in children with neurofibromatosis type 1. A plexiform neurofibroma grows in many nerves. The medication can reduce the size of the tumor.
  • The surgery to remove the tumor.The symptoms can be relieved by the removal of all or part of a neurofibroma that is pressing on nearby tissues or damage to the organs. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor. The type of surgery also depends on whether the neurofibroma is intertwined with more than one nerve. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing further damage to the nerves. After the surgery, you may need physical rehabilitation. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can guide you through exercises to keep the muscles and joints active. The rehabilitation also helps to prevent stiffness, and restore their function and feeling.
  • Clinical trials. You may qualify for a clinical trial testing an experimental treatment.

The surgery to remove the tumor. The symptoms can be relieved by the removal of all or part of a neurofibroma that is pressing on nearby tissues or damage to the organs. The type of surgery depends on the location and size of the tumor. The type of surgery also depends on whether the neurofibroma is intertwined with more than one nerve. The goal of surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible without causing further damage to the nerves.

After the surgery, you may need physical rehabilitation. Physical therapists and occupational therapists can guide you through exercises to keep the muscles and joints active. The rehabilitation also helps to prevent stiffness, and restore their function and feeling.

Symptoms and treatment of Neurofibroma