Pediatric Neurofibromatosis Surgery

Overview

The Neurofibromatosis Surgery team at Mass General Hospital for Children manages neurofibromatosis type I and type II as well as variants, such as schwannomatosis. NF I, classic or peripheral neurofibromatosis, is commonly apparent in infancy and early childhood and can include manifestations such as:

• Facial and orbital plexiform neurofibromas
• Spinal neurofibromas
• Brain tumors — optic gliomas, as well as other gliomas
• Hydrocephalus
• Peripheral nerve tumors, including sarcomas
• Cranial dysgenesis with pulsating exophthalmos

NF II, central neurofibromatosis, is much less common in childhood and adolescence than NF I and is usually not apparent until the teenage years. A hallmark of NF II is the presence of bilateral acoustic neuromas (now more accurately termed vestibular schwannomas). Other central nervous system tumors such as meningiomas can occur. NF I and NF II are relatively rare disorders that can cause a number of neurological and medical consequences.

At Massachusetts General Hospital, these patients are followed by a focused multidisciplinary team led by neurologists and neurosurgeons. These physicians are some of the most experienced in NF I and NF II management, for both children and adults.