Plexiform Neurofibroma Pictures, Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Plexiform neurofibromatosis is another name of plexiform neurofibroma. Neurofibroma is a type of tumor of peripheral nerve sheath. The nerves which are present just below the skin surface and the nerves deep inside the body both are involved in plexiform neurofibroma. Plexiform is a word which describes plexus formation. Plexiform neurofibroma is the most rare type of neurofibroma which is asymptomatic and really slow growing. These tumors are benign in nature. This tumor has the capability to proliferate in the surrounding tissues. Usually major nerves are involved and it affects young children.

Detailed study on neurofibromatosis reveals that plexiform neurofibroma is kind of unique to the patients with neurofibromatosis 1 i.e. NF-1. In that case, the different tumors can be easily located present inside the body. Usually plexiform neurofibroma is asymptomatic but if it shows symptoms and these symptoms are severe, then treatment is recommended. Surgical excision is the sufficient treatment for that. When the plexiform neurofibroma is removed, the prognosis becomes good. In some cases, this tumor turns into a malignant one and causes serious problems. Usually plexiform neurofibroma occurs in the 15 to 20 years of age but individuals of other age group are also involved.

Plexiform Neurofibroma Pictures

Plexiform Neurofibroma Symptoms

Plexiform neurofibroma is usually asymptomatic and does not show problematic symptoms. But if it show symptoms, the symptoms may be;

• Plexiform neurofibroma is benign in nature and does not proliferate into the surrounding tissues.
• Involvement of major nerve in tumors is also a sign.
• Plexiform neurofibroma looks like a soft tissue mass which can be easily seen. These tumor may form anywhere in body because of their large size.
• The common sites involved are head, legs, arms, chest, neck and abdomen.
• Patient feels pain at the site involved in plexiform neurofibroma.
• Neurofibroma present in the deep nerves of body may involve major nerves and grow larger in size.

Plexiform Neurofibroma Causes

• Plexiform neurofibroma occurs due to Gene mutation. A specific gene named NF-1 is involved in the formation of these tumor. The following abberation in the chromosomes are responsible for Gene mutation.
• In chromosome no. 17, due to loss of 17q, mutation occurs. It forms neurofibroma on long arm.
• If mutation occurs on chromosome no. 19, then it may occur on short and long arm).
• Mutation at chromosome no. 22 occurs due to loss of chromosome no. 22q. This mutation leads to plexiform neurofibroma on long arm.

Plexiform Neurofibroma Treatment

• The following treatment plan is designed to treat plexiform neurofibroma.
• As it is asymptomatic so it is recommended to do regular monitoring of tumor.
• If it involves cosmetic concerns and the symptoms are severe, then surgery is recommended.
• If the tumor start converting in to the malignant form, then there is an additional treatment plan which involves chemotherapy and radiation.
• Patient already suffering from neurofibroma 1 have to treat NF-1 1st.
• Patient have to follow a long term follow up plan. These routine check-up helps to stop converting in to malignant tumor.
• These plans are the effective one in treating plexiform neurofibroma.