What Causes Neurofibromatosis? How Can It Be Treated?

Neurofibromatosis may be caused by genetic defects or abnormal development of the neural crest. Surgical treatment is the preferred method, and radiation therapy can be chosen when surgery is not possible. Neurofibromatosis is a benign tumor that affects the nerve roots, resulting in symptoms such as pain, which is primarily felt in the areas affected by the tumor and where the nerve roots are distributed. The pain can be intense, especially at night, and may be exacerbated by coughing or sneezing.

1. Genetic defects may be due to mutations in the NF gene, leading to abnormal development of neural crest cells and resulting in multi-systemic damage. This can be classified as a neurocutaneous syndrome. Based on clinical symptoms and genetic localization, neurofibromatosis can be further divided into type I and type II, which are direct causes of the disease.

2. Abnormal development of the neural crest may also contribute to neurofibromatosis. However, the exact mechanisms underlying this disease are not fully understood. It is possible that excessive production or hyperactivity of neural growth factors may promote abnormal proliferation of nerve fibers, which is related to tumor growth.

Neurofibromatosis is a common tumor of the nervous system that can occur on the nerves of the brain or spinal cord. Surgical treatment is currently the preferred method for treating this tumor. Brain tumors can be completely removed through craniotomy, with minimal complications after surgery. However, for larger tumors located close to the brainstem, surgical removal may be more difficult, and complete resection may not be possible or may result in some degree of sequelae. In these cases, radiation therapy can be considered as an alternative treatment for residual tumors.