What is Neurofibroma? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

A neurofibroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows on or around nerve tissue. These soft, fleshy growths develop when cells that support and protect your nerves multiply more than they should.

Most neurofibromas are harmless and grow slowly over time. They can appear anywhere in your body where nerves are present, though they're most commonly found on or just under the skin. While the word "tumor" might sound scary, these growths rarely become cancerous and many people live comfortably with them.

What are the symptoms of neurofibroma?

The most obvious sign of a neurofibroma is usually a soft, rubbery bump that you can feel under your skin. These bumps typically feel squishy when you press on them, unlike harder lumps you might find elsewhere on your body.

Here are the main symptoms you might notice:

• Soft, moveable lumps under the skin that feel rubbery or squishy
• Skin-colored or slightly darker bumps that may be smooth or rough
• Tingling or numbness in the area around the growth
• Mild pain or tenderness when the bump is pressed
• Itching or sensitivity in the affected area

Most neurofibromas don't cause pain unless they press against nearby nerves or organs. If you have multiple growths, you might notice them appearing gradually over months or years rather than all at once.

What are the types of neurofibroma?

Doctors classify neurofibromas into several types based on where they grow and how they look. Understanding these differences can help you know what to expect from your specific situation.

The main types include:

• Cutaneous neurofibromas: These grow on or just under your skin and are the most common type
• Subcutaneous neurofibromas: These develop deeper under the skin and may feel larger or firmer
• Plexiform neurofibromas: These grow along larger nerve bundles and can become quite large
• Spinal neurofibromas: These develop along nerves in your spine and are less common

Cutaneous and subcutaneous types are usually small and cause few problems. Plexiform neurofibromas are rarer but need closer monitoring because they can occasionally become cancerous and may cause more symptoms due to their size and location.

What causes neurofibroma?

Neurofibromas develop when cells called Schwann cells, which normally protect and support your nerves, start growing abnormally. This happens due to changes in specific genes that usually keep cell growth under control.

The main causes include:

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1): A genetic condition that causes multiple neurofibromas
• Spontaneous genetic changes: Random mutations that can cause single tumors
• Inherited gene mutations: Changes passed down from parents, though this is less common for isolated cases

About half of people with NF1 inherited the condition from a parent, while the other half developed it from new genetic changes. If you have just one or two neurofibromas without other symptoms, you likely don't have NF1 and the growth happened due to a random genetic change in that specific area.

When to see a doctor for neurofibroma?

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice any new lumps or bumps on your body, even if they don't hurt. While most neurofibromas are harmless, it's important to get a proper diagnosis to rule out other conditions.

Seek medical attention more urgently if you experience:

• Rapid growth of an existing bump
• Significant pain or numbness in the affected area
• Changes in the color or texture of the growth
• Multiple new bumps appearing within a short time
• Weakness or loss of function in nearby muscles

If you already know you have neurofibromas, regular check-ups help your doctor monitor any changes. Most people with stable neurofibromas only need yearly visits, but your doctor will advise you on the best schedule for your situation.

What are the risk factors for neurofibroma?

Several factors can increase your chances of developing neurofibromas, though many people with these risk factors never develop the condition. Understanding these factors can help you stay aware of potential symptoms.

The main risk factors include:

• Family history of neurofibromatosis: Having a parent with NF1 gives you a 50% chance of inheriting it
• Age: Most neurofibromas appear during childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood
• Previous radiation exposure: Rarely, radiation therapy can increase risk
• Genetic factors: Certain genetic variations may make some people more susceptible

It's worth noting that most isolated neurofibromas occur randomly without any identifiable risk factors. Having one neurofibroma doesn't necessarily mean you'll develop more, especially if you don't have other signs of neurofibromatosis.

What are the possible complications of neurofibroma?

Most neurofibromas cause few problems and remain stable throughout your life. However, understanding potential complications can help you recognize when to seek additional medical care.

Possible complications include:

• Nerve compression: Large tumors may press on nearby nerves, causing pain or numbness
• Cosmetic concerns: Visible growths may affect your appearance or self-confidence
• Functional problems: Tumors near joints or organs may interfere with normal movement
• Malignant transformation: Very rarely, neurofibromas can become cancerous (less than 5% of cases)
• Bleeding or infection: If a growth gets injured or irritated repeatedly

Plexiform neurofibromas have a slightly higher risk of becoming cancerous compared to other types, which is why doctors monitor them more closely. Even so, the vast majority of neurofibromas never cause serious health problems.

How is neurofibroma diagnosed?

Your doctor will start by examining the growth and asking about your symptoms and family history. In many cases, doctors can diagnose a neurofibroma just by looking at it and feeling its texture.

The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination: Your doctor will feel the growth and check for other similar bumps
2. Medical history: Discussion of when the growth appeared and any symptoms
3. Imaging tests: MRI or CT scans if the tumor is large or in a sensitive location
4. Biopsy: Rarely needed, but may be done if the diagnosis is unclear
5. Genetic testing: Recommended if you have multiple neurofibromas or family history

Most small, typical neurofibromas don't require extensive testing. Your doctor will likely recommend imaging or biopsy only if the growth looks unusual, grows rapidly, or causes significant symptoms.

What is the treatment for neurofibroma?

Many neurofibromas don't require any treatment and can simply be monitored over time. Your doctor will recommend treatment mainly if the growth causes symptoms, affects your appearance significantly, or shows concerning changes.

Treatment options include:

• Watchful waiting: Regular monitoring for small, stable tumors
• Surgical removal: The most common treatment for problematic neurofibromas
• Laser therapy: For small, superficial growths that affect appearance
• Targeted medications: Newer drugs for large plexiform neurofibromas
• Pain management: Medications or therapies if the tumor causes discomfort

Surgery is usually straightforward for small neurofibromas, with most people recovering quickly. For larger or deeper tumors, the procedure may be more complex, but serious complications are uncommon. Your doctor will discuss the best approach based on your specific situation.

How to manage neurofibroma at home?

While you can't treat neurofibromas at home, there are several ways to manage symptoms and take care of yourself between doctor visits. These approaches can help you feel more comfortable and confident.

Here's what you can do at home:

• Protect the area: Avoid tight clothing or activities that might irritate the growth
• Monitor changes: Take photos periodically to track any changes in size or appearance
• Manage discomfort: Use over-the-counter pain relievers if the area becomes tender
• Keep skin healthy: Moisturize the area and avoid scratching or picking
• Stay informed: Learn about your condition to make better healthcare decisions

If you have multiple neurofibromas, keeping a simple log of their locations and any changes can be helpful for your doctor appointments. Remember that most changes are normal and don't indicate problems, but documenting them helps your healthcare team provide better care.

How should you prepare for your doctor appointment?

Preparing for your appointment can help you get the most out of your time with your doctor and ensure all your concerns are addressed. A little preparation can make the visit more productive and less stressful.

Before your appointment:

1. Write down your symptoms: Note when you first noticed the growth and any changes
2. List your medications: Include all prescription drugs, supplements, and over-the-counter medicines
3. Gather family history: Information about relatives with similar conditions or genetic disorders
4. Prepare questions: Write down what you want to know about treatment options and prognosis
5. Bring photos: If you have pictures showing changes over time, these can be very helpful

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand. Questions about whether the growth might grow, if it could become cancerous, or how it might affect your daily life are all perfectly appropriate and important for your peace of mind.

What's the key takeaway about neurofibroma?

Neurofibromas are common, usually harmless growths that develop on nerve tissue. While finding any new bump on your body can be concerning, most neurofibromas don't cause serious health problems and many people live normally with them.

The most important thing to remember is that getting a proper diagnosis gives you peace of mind and helps you make informed decisions about your care. Whether your neurofibroma needs treatment or just monitoring, working with your healthcare team ensures you'll receive appropriate care tailored to your specific situation.

If you've recently been diagnosed with a neurofibroma, know that you're not alone and that effective management options are available. Most people with neurofibromas continue to live active, healthy lives with minimal impact from their condition.