Neurofibromatosis is a medical condition that causes skin and bone abnormalities by allowing tumors to grow in nerve tissues. Also referred to as NF, neurofibromatosis is often diagnosed in children ranging from 3 to 16 years of age. Although some children may become disabled from the disease, most children can live a fairly normal life. Often times, a child with NF may have a learning disability, although the severity can vary from child to child.

NF is a neurocutaneous syndrome that is inherited from the parents. Passed down through the genes, the NF affects the nerves, spinal cord, brain, skin and possibly other systems throughout the body. NF consists of tumors that are called neurofibromas. Neurofibromas grow along the nerves in our bodies and on and under our skin. When neurofibromas grow bigger they press on important areas in our body. This causes problems in the way these areas function.

There are two types of neurofibromatosis, NF1 and NF2. The most common of the two types is the NF1 and its found in about one out of 4,000 children. This type of neurofibromatosis is also referred to as Recklinghausen disease. With NF1 a child may also show signs of skeleton abnormalities. Thinning or overgrowth of the bones in the legs or arms or scoliosis of the spine may be present.

The second form, NF2, causes tumors like bilateral acoustic neurofibroma. This condition is rarer than NF1 and is only seen in about one out of 50,000 births. People who have this type of neurofibromatosis often have benign (non-cancerous) tumors on the nerves in their ears. This can cause hearing loss and balance problems.

Most of the tumors caused by neurofibromatosis are benign, although about 3-5% of the tumors can eventually become cancerous if not removed.

The first signs of NF are typically found in childhood. NF1 tends to be seen at a younger age while NF2 tends to be found a little later. Often the condition presents itself during the pubescent years with a spot on the skin known as a brown caf(adminname：admin)