Neurofibromatosis encompasses a set of three distinct genetic disorders that cause tumors to grow along various types of nerves and, in addition, can affect the development of non-nervous tissues such as bones and skin. Neurofibromatosis causes tumors to grow anywhere on or in the body.

NF IS NOT CONTAGIOUS!!!!   A person is born with it.

NF is an extremely variable disorder. The severity of NF ranges from extremely mild cases in which the only signs of the disorder in adulthood may be multiple cafe-au-lait spots and a few dermal neurofibromas, to more severe cases in which one or more serious complications may develop. There is no way to predict who will have a mild case and who will develop serious complications.

NF1 effects 1 in 3,000 births
NF2 effects 1 in 30,000 births
Schwannomatosis effects 1 in 40,000 births

Effects of NF include:
Brain tumors
Headaches
Cancer (leukemia and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) are a higher occurrence than general population)
Seizures
Blindness
Severe itching
Severe Pain
Spinal cord tumors
Deafness
Paralysis
Short stature
Pseudarthrosis
Learning disabilities
High blood pressure
Deformities
Delayed or early puberty
Psychosocial burdens

No cure or effective treatments exist for those with NF.  A watch and wait approach is most common for those living with this condition.