Nerve Tumor Surgery

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder in which many soft, fleshy growths of nerve tissue (neurofibromas) grow under the skin and in other parts of the body. Neurofibromas are growths of Schwann cells (which form a wrapping around peripheral nerve fibers) and other cells that support peripheral nerves.

Schwannomatosis is a rare form of NF that has only recently been recognized. People with schwannomatosis develop multiple schwannomas on cranial, spinal and peripheral nerves--but they do not develop vestibular tumors and do not go deaf.

Affected individuals usually have much greater problems with pain than with neurological disability, although as with all forms of NF, a schwannoma tumor may vary greatly between patients.