Neurofibroma

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Overview
Neurofibroma is a type of nerve sheath tumor. In contrast to schwannomas - another type of tumor arising from the Schwann cells - neurofibromas incorporate all sorts of cells and structural elements in addition to the Schwann cells.

Presentation
Neurofibromas infiltrate the nerve and splay apart the individual nerve fibers. Although usually benign, Neurofibromas can sometimes degenerate into cancer.

Single neurofibromas often occur in middle and old age and grow at the margins of the peripheral nerves, displacing the nerve's main body.

The vestibulocochlear (acoustic) nerve is the most commonly affected, (see acoustic neuroma). Other cranial nerves and spinal nerves are less commonly involved.

Treatment
Surgical resection is curative, although tumors are not easily removable if they surround important nerves such as the optic nerve. There is a risk of functional damage due to interference with the nerve. Debulking may be helpful.