Conditions

Neurofibromatosis (NF)

What is neurofibromatosis?

Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a group of genetic conditions that cause tumors to grow along the body’s nerves or under the skin. Almost always the tumors are not cancer (benign). Neurofibromatosis is pronounced NOOR-oh-FY-broh-muh-TOH-sis.

NF is present at birth, but its effects may not appear until later in childhood or young adulthood. The symptoms of NF can vary widely from child to child. There is no cure, but expert medical care can reduce and manage the effects.

Most children with NF have neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Another type of NF is schwannomatosis. The most common subtype of schwannomatosis is NF2-related schwannomatosis, which used to be called neurofibromatosis type 2 or NF2.  

In half of children with these conditions, the cause is an abnormal gene passed down from a parent. The rest of the time, the cause is a new genetic difference that was not inherited.

Why choose Seattle Children's for neurofibromatosis care?

Consistently ranked one of the nation's best neurology and neurosurgery programs by U.S. News and World Report.Seattle Children’s has the only pediatric neurofibromatosis program in the region, led by a neuro-oncologist with special training in treating children with NF. We partner with your family to give your child complete, evidence-based care. Our multidisciplinary team treats your whole child, not just their disease.

If you would like an appointment, ask your child’s primary care provider to refer you to the NF Clinic at Seattle Children’s Neurosciences Center. If you have a referral, call 206-987-2016 to make an appointment.

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Advanced treatments and complete care

Support for your whole family

  • Having a complex condition like neurofibromatosis or schwannomatosis can be scary and stressful for the whole family. Some families feel overwhelmed by the many complications that may happen as their child grows. Our experts keep a careful watch on your child.
  • During visits, we take time to explain your child’s condition. We help you fully understand your treatment options, so you can make the choices that are right for your family.
  • Our doctors, nurses, child life specialists and social workers help your child and your family through the challenges of their condition. We connect you to community resources and support groups.
  • At Seattle Children's, we work with children and families from around the Northwest and beyond. We can help with financial counseling, schooling, housing, transportation, interpreter services and spiritual care. Read about our services for patients and families.

What are the symptoms of NF?

Symptoms of NF1, NF2-related schwannomatosis and other forms of schwannomatosis vary widely from child to child.

  • NF1 symptoms

    Your child may have:

    • Spots on the skin darker than your child’s normal skin color. These are called café-au-lait (English: coffee with cream) spots. They do not cause problems.
    • Freckles in the armpits or groin area. These do not cause problems.
    • Tiny tan bumps in the colored part of the eyes (iris). These are called Lisch nodules. They do not cause problems.
    • Small tumors on or under the skin, called dermal or cutaneous neurofibromas. The tumors are not cancerous. Besides minor discomfort or itching, they rarely cause other symptoms.
    • Tumors that grow inside the body or along multiple nerves, called plexiform neurofibromas. If the tumors press on nerves or organs, they can cause problems.
    • Tumors along the nerve that sends signals from the eye to the brain. These are called optic pathway gliomas. In most cases, they do not cause symptoms.
    • Challenges with attention span, focus, learning and the ability to share their thoughts, ideas and feelings.
    • Curvature of the spine (scoliosis) or bowing of the legs.
  • NF2-related schwannomatosis symptoms

    Some children with NF2-related schwannomatosis have tumors along the nerves that carry sound and balance information from the inner ear to the brain. These are called vestibular schwannomas. They may cause symptoms like:

    • Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
    • Balance and coordination challenges
    • Hearing loss

    Other benign tumors in the spine or brain (such as meningiomas, nonvestibular schwannomas or ependymoma tumors) may cause these symptoms:

    • Headaches
    • Numbness or weakness in the face or other parts of the body

    Your child’s vision may be affected if they have cataracts or abnormalities in the lining in the back of their eye (retina).

  • Symptoms of other types of schwannomatosis

    Children who have other types of schwannomatosis have noncancerous (benign) tumors, called schwannomas. These schwannomas can form on nerves anywhere in the body. They may cause pain that is hard to manage.

    In addition to pain, the tumors may cause:

    • Numbness
    • Tingling
    • Vision changes
    • Headaches
    • Weakness
    • Problems with peeing or pooping

    Subtypes of schwannomatosis that are not NF2-related include:

    • SMARCB1-related schwannomatosis
    • LZTR1-related schwannomatosis
    • 22q-related schwannomatosis
    • Schwannomatosis NOS (not otherwise specified)
    • Schwannomatosis NEC (not elsewhere classified)

How is NF diagnosed?

Experts in our NF Clinic will assess your child, starting with a physical exam.

Often we check your child’s blood to look for changes in the genes that cause NF1, NF2-related schwannomatosis or other types of schwannomatosis. Genetic testing helps us diagnose children sooner and more precisely. Identifying the specific genetic change causing your child’s condition helps us personalize their care and start the right treatment sooner. Your child’s treatment options may expand to include therapies that target a specific genetic pathway

Our genetic counselors help you understand the pros and cons of genetic testing and explain test results. Genetic counseling can help you learn about your child’s condition and make informed decisions about treatment and family planning.

  • NF1

    To decide if your child has NF1, doctors will:

    • Look for symptoms like skin changes or small bumps
    • Consider imaging studies such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or X-ray
    • Check for bumps on the colored part of your child’s eye (iris)
  • NF2-related schwannomatosis

    To diagnose NF2-related schwannomatosis, doctors will examine your child and ask about any family history of the condition. Your child may have:

    • Imaging studies to look for tumors in or near your child’s hearing (auditory) and balance nerves, spinal cord and brain.
    • Hearing tests.
    • A test to check function of the nerve that carries sound from the inner ear to the brain. This is called a brainstem auditory evoked response.
    • A detailed eye exam.
  • Other types of schwannomatosis

    Types of schwannomatosis that are not NF2-related are most often diagnosed in adulthood. They can be hard to diagnose because other conditions cause similar symptoms. Your child will have MRI scans to check for tumors along nerves in their body.

Treating Neurofibromatosis Type 1

There is no cure for NF1. Yearly check-ups help find problems early and treat the effects. At Seattle Children’s pediatric neurofibromatosis program, we give your child complete, coordinated care.

  • Dermal and plexiform neurofibromas

    Many children with NF1 have lumps on and under their skin, called dermal neurofibromas. These do not need treatment.

    Plexiform neurofibromas are tumors that grow deeper inside the body or along multiple nerves (not in the brain or spinal cord). If the tumor presses on nerves or organs, it can cause problems.

    We watch closely and treat tumors that may affect your child’s ability to move, breathe, swallow, talk, see or hear. We also treat tumors that cause pain or significant disfigurement. Treatment options include:

    • Surgery to remove all or part of dermal neurofibromas or plexiform neurofibromas. Surgery may not be an option if the tumor is deep in the body or if removing it risks damage to healthy nerves and tissues.
    • Targeted therapies to block a protein (MEK) that causes plexiform neurofibromas to grow. These medicines are called MEK inhibitors and are taken as a pill. Research studies show MEK inhibitors shrink tumors, reduce pain and disfigurement and improve mobility.
  • Brain and Spine Tumors

    Treatment options include:

    • Targeted therapies (MEK inhibitors) to block a protein that causes the growth of brain and spine tumors in patients with NF1. MEK inhibitors can stabilize these tumors.
    • Chemotherapy.
    • Neurosurgery to remove tumors that cause symptoms. Our Brain Tumor experts lead global research on new treatments to increase cure rates and reduce side effects of therapy.
    • Rarely, radiation therapy.
  • Eye care

    Regular eye exams are an important part of care for NF1. About 15% of children with NF1 have tumors in the nerve behind their eye. These are called optic pathway gliomas (glee-OH-muhs). Most do not need treatment.

    When the tumors affect vision, we treat them with chemotherapy or targeted therapies. Less often, we use radiation therapy. Experts in ophthalmology will care for your child if they have this type of tumor.

  • Problems affecting bones and mobility

    Up to 20% of children with NF1 have a sideways curve in their spine (scoliosis). Depending on how severe your child’s curve is, treatment options may include wearing a back brace or having surgery. See how we treat scoliosis.

    About 5% of children have bowing in their lower legs. For problems affecting the spine or limbs, we work with specialists in orthopedics to be sure your child gets the care they need. 

    If your child’s tumors affect their ability to move, physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) will assess and treat them.

  • Learning, speech or behavior problems

    Half of children with NF1 have problems with learning, speech or ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

    We check your child at each visit and recommend treatments and services.

    As needed, your child will see Seattle Children’s experts in:

  • Growth problems

    About 30% of children with NF1 are shorter than kids of the same age. In some children, puberty may be early (precocious) or delayed. If your child has problems related to their hormones, they will get care from experts in endocrinology.

  • Problems affecting the head and face

    If your child has tumors on their face or neck, we partner with the Craniofacial Center, and with you, to create a plan of care tailored to your child. These tumors may affect your child’s movement, speech, feeding and how they look. We may treat them with surgery or targeted therapies. The craniofacial team of 50 experts covers 19 different specialties. These include plastic surgeonsotolaryngologistsneurosurgeons, physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs).

Treating NF2-Related Schwannomatosis

If your child has NF2-related schwannomatosis, regular check-ups and imaging studies help us find problems early.

  • Tumors

    We watch closely for signs that tumors might lead to problems like hearing loss, facial paralysis, disfigurement, numbness, weakness or balance issues. If tumors need treatment, your child may have surgery to remove all or part of the tumor.

    We will talk with you about the pros and cons of surgery. Depending on your child’s needs, they may get care from a neurosurgeon or otolaryngologist. Most patients with NF2-related schwannomatosis will have annual brain and spine imaging.

  • Hearing

    If a tumor could harm your child’s hearing, we may treat it with chemotherapy or, very rarely, radiation therapy in addition to surgery.

    If a tumor causes hearing loss, treatment options include:

    • A small, surgically implanted electronic device (cochlear implant) that can help give Deaf or hard-of-hearing children a sense of sound. Learn more about cochlear implants.
    • An auditory brainstem implant that sends signals directly to the brain, allowing people to hear certain sounds and speech.
  • Eye care

    At least once a year, we check the vision of children with NF2-related schwannomatosis. Some children with this condition develop cataracts and abnormalities of the retina at a young age. These may affect your child’s eyesight.

    If your child needs treatment, we partner with experts in ophthalmology.

Treating Other Types of Schwannomatosis

If your child has schwannomatosis that is not NF2-related, treatment depends on their symptoms. Some children need surgery to remove tumors that cause pain or other problems because they press on nerves or organs. If tumors cannot be removed, your child’s team will focus on managing pain or other symptoms.

At this time, no medicine is known to be effective in treating types of schwannomatosis that are not NF2-related. We work with your child and family to best manage their symptoms.

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