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05-16-2009, 06:22 PM
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Several Pictures of Neurofibromatosis
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that mainly affects the nervous system. It is caused by a mutation (change) in a gene affecting the DNA coding. The gene can be inherited from your parents, or it may spontaneously change for no reason. In this case, mutation usually happens in the egg or sperm just before conception. There are two different types of neurofibromatosis: Nf1 (also known as Von Recklinghausen's disease or peripheral Nf), and Nf2 (also known as bilateral Nf). Nf1 is the most common type and Nf2 is generally the more serious. In the UK, about one in every 2,500 babies is born with Nf1, and one in 35,000 is born with Nf2. Neurofibromatosis is equally common in men and women. It affects all ethnic groups equally. Neurofibromatosis causes non-cancerous tumours to grow on nerves throughout the body. These growths cause different problems, which depend on the type of neurofibromatosis as well as the number, size and location of the tumours. There is no cure for neurofibromatosis, but the Neurofibromatosis Association (a UK-based charity) is working towards better treatments. Genetic screening and counselling is available for families with a history of neurofibromatosis. |