Neurofibromatosis is a term used to describe two genetic disorders, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). Both NF1 and NF2 are disorders of the nervous system that affect the development and growth of nerve cell tissues. These conditions cause tumor growth on nerves and may cause skin abnormalities and bone deformities.
Different genes cause NF1 and NF2, and NF is the most common neurological disorder caused by one single gene. In most cases, NF1 and NF2 are genetic disorders, although from 30 to 50 percent of new cases arise through a spontaneous mutation in a person’s genes. Approximately one in 4,000 people has NF1. Approximately 1 in 40,000 people has the rarer NF2.
Two types of neurofibromatosis exist: NF1 and NF2. The tumors associated with NF are generally non-cancerous; they cause damage by expanding and compressing other tissues.
