Neurofibroma is a type of tumor which develops from the cells of the peripheral nervous system. It is usually benign, but in rare cases, it can become malignant. Neurofibromas are the most common type of peripheral nerve sheath tumors and are often found in people with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder. Neurofibromas can vary in size, shape, and location. Symptoms of neurofibromas can include pain, numbness, and changes in skin color. Treatment of neurofibromas often involves surgical removal or radiation therapy.
Neurofibromas are tumors of the peripheral nervous system, which include the nerves that connect to the spinal cord and the nerves that carry sensory information from the brain to the rest of the body. They are usually benign, meaning that they are not cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. However, in rare cases, a neurofibroma can become malignant, meaning that it can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
Neurofibromas are most commonly found in people with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes the body to produce too many nerve sheath cells. People with neurofibromatosis are at an increased risk for developing neurofibromas. Neurofibromas can also occur sporadically without the presence of neurofibromatosis.
Neurofibromas can vary in size, shape, and location. They can be single or multiple and can occur anywhere along the peripheral nervous system. Neurofibromas are often diagnosed when a person notices a bump on their skin or when they experience symptoms such as pain, numbness, or changes in skin color.
Treatment of neurofibromas often involves surgical removal or radiation therapy. The choice of treatment depends on the size, location, and type of tumor. In some cases, medication may be used to reduce the size of the tumor or to relieve symptoms.
In conclusion, neurofibromas are tumors of the peripheral nervous system that are most commonly found in people with neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromas can vary in size, shape, and location and may cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and changes in skin color. Treatment of neurofibromas often involves surgical removal or radiation therapy, and in some cases, medication may be used to reduce the size of the tumor or to relieve symptoms.
References
Chen, K.-N., Hsu, Y.-C., Hsieh, T.-J., & Wang, J.-F. (2013). Neurofibroma of the tongue: A case report and review of the literature. Kaohsiung Journal of Medical Sciences, 29(3), 168–172. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjms.2013.02.007
Konstantinopoulos, P. A., & Vlachos, L. S. (2014). Neurofibromas: Diagnosis and treatment. Oncology Letters, 8(2), 577–580. https://doi.org/10.3892/ol.2014.2196
McGill, T. J., Jain, A., & Saltzman, D. M. (Eds.). (2017). Neurofibromatosis type 1: A practical guide for physicians and other health care providers. Oxford University Press.