Neurofibroma refers to a tumor of the nerves, that presents with soft bumps or lumps on or under the skin. A neurofibroma can arise anywhere in the body and is a major or a minor nerve. It inclines to arise more centrally in the nerve. Sometimes, it may develop in several nerve clusters and is then known as a plexiform neurofibroma.
Neurofibroma is one of the many types of peripheral nerve tumors. Neurofibromas are usually benign. However, occasionally, a neurofibroma may turn cancerous. Symptoms of neurofibroma are usually mild or completely absent(1)
What Are The Ways To Prevent Neurofibromas?
Neurofibromas cannot be prevented. Those having a family history of this condition have an option to undergo genetic testing to check if they are at an increased risk of getting this condition or passing it to their child.(2)
Do Neurofibromas Reoccur?
Neurofibromas may reoccur after removal in some cases. They may reoccur at the same place or at a completely different part of the body.
Diagnosis Of Neurofibroma-
- Every time, the cause for neurofibroma may not be known.
- Sometimes, it may be seen in people with a genetic disorder known as neurofibromatosis type 1.
- This condition affects people in the age group of 20 to 40 years.
- The neurofibroma will be diagnosed with the help of several methods like physical examination, imaging tests like CT scan and MRI.
- These studies may help in identifying and locating the tumor.
- They can also identify very small tumors and check if other tissues or organs are damaged.
- A pet scan may also be advised to know the nature of the tumor- whether it is benign or malignant.
- A biopsy may also be required to determine the type of tumour.
Treatment For Neurofibroma
If the neurofibroma is small, single and about less than an inch under the skin, usually it does not require any treatment. In other cases, the neurofibroma treatment may comprise monitoring and surgery.(1)
Watchful Monitoring-
- tumors may include regular follow-ups and check-ups
- Your doctor will usually advise for watchful monitoring if the tumor is difficult to be removed or it is small and presents with no signs and symptoms.
- He may recommend regular imaging tests to check if the tumor is growing or causing any other complications(1)
Surgical Removal-
- Neurofibroma can be removed in partial or full and symptoms can be alleviated.
- The neurofibroma may grow and press on the nearby tissue, causing pain and damage to nearby organs. Removal of neurofibroma may help in relieving those symptoms.
- The type of operation that will be required will depend upon the location and size of and whether one or more nerves are involved.
- The focus of the surgery is to extract as much tumor as possible, without leading to any further nerve damage(1)
- Physical restoration may be required to keep the joints and muscles active and avoid stiffness.
- This will also help in restoring your body function.(1)
Clinical Trials-
Clinical trial and experiments may be helpful for you if you get eligible for getting into it.(1)
Conclusion
Neurofibroma is one of the many different types of peripheral nerve tumors. Multiple neurofibromas are associated with a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis. There are different types of neurofibromatosis- 1, 2 and Schwannomatosis. They all present with different signs and symptoms and may lead to different types of complications. There are no ways to prevent neurofibromas. Those people who have an exposure to a family history of having neurofibromas, do have an option of genetic testing to check if they are at risk of getting this condition or passing it on to their children. Neurofibromas may reoccur even after successful removal, in some cases. They may appear again at the same place or at an altogether different.
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