Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders in the United States (one in every 2,500 to 3,000 births). Neurofibromatosis affects all races, all ethnic groups and both sexes equally. In addition to benign tumors to growing on nerves, neurofibromatosis also affects the development of other systems and tissues including the cardiovascular system, bones, skin, brain, eyes, respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract and hormonal system.
These neurofibromas can form wherever there are nerve cells in the body. In neurofibromatosis, the tumors are usually non-cancerous (benign), although occasionally they can be cancerous. The neurofibromas begin in the supporting cells that make up the nerves and the myelin sheath–the thin membrane that envelops and protects the nerves. Sometimes it arises from several nerve bundles (plexiform neurofibroma). This common type of benign nerve tumor tends to form more centrally within the nerve. A neurofibroma can develop within a major or minor nerve anywhere in the body.
A neurofibroma is a type of nerve tumor that forms soft bumps on or under the skin.
#Type 3 neurofibromatosis skin#
Neurofibromatosis is one of the most common genetic disease that cause tumors to grow along your nerves (neurofibromas) and less frequently, in the brain and spinal cord, and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities.