1. Definig Neurofibromas
Neurofibromas are benign tumors of the nerves. They arise from nerve cells, such as the Schwann cells. While neurofibromas can occur in any of the body's nerves, they typically grow in nerves located in or under the skin. The National Institutes of Health classify neurofibromas as a rare disease. This means that they occur in less than 200,000 people in the United States.
2. Spotting the Tumor
Neurofibromas appear as masses that grow rather slowly. Sometimes they look like a lump, located just under the skin. These tumors are generally painless; however, in some instances they produce mild pain. More commonly, people report feeling an odd sensation, much like an electric shock, whenever they accidentally hit the tumor or touch it. Occasionally neurofibromas grow and cause permanent nerve damage, resulting in a loss of proper function in the area affected.
3. Diagnosing
Diagnosis of neurofibromas begins with a complete physical and medical history. Doctors use various tests to help make the diagnosis including x-ray, MRI and ultrasound. Occasionally, the doctor performs a biopsy, removing a small sample of the tumor for clinical analysis.
4. Beginning Treatment
The treatment regimen for neurofibromas varies from one person to another depending on various factors, such as the person's overall health, the location of the neurofibomas and the extent of symptoms. Frequently, doctors suggest surgical removal of the involved nerve if it's not a significant nerve. When major nerves are involved, the surgeon strives to remove the neurofibroma, without damaging the nerve itself. When the patient is asymptomatic, the best treatment may be to leave the tumor alone and monitor its growth.
5. Knowing its Origin
Neurofibromas may be associated with a group of disorders collectively known as neurofibromatosis. Approximately half of the cases of neurofibromatosis are inherited, meaning they're handed down from one generation to the next through an autosomal dominant pattern. If one parent has neurofibromatosis, each child has a 50% chance of being symptomatic. In the other half of neurofibromatosis cases, there's no familial history. Instead, these cases result from a genetic mutation of the sperm or egg. Neurofibromatosis symptoms vary greatly from one individual to another. Some cases are mild, and require no intervention, while other cases are quite severe, leading to impairment in day-to-day functioning.
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