What are the symptoms of neurofibromatosis?
Neurofibromatosis (NF-1) is characterized in adolescents by the presence of six or more light brown skin spots larger than ½ inch each; these are called café au lait spots. These are usually painless. Patients often have two or more rubbery bumps under the skin that are called neurofibromas. Also, there may be freckling in the armpits or groin and growths on the iris of the eyes that are called Lisch nodules. A family history of NF-1 may also be present. Neurofibromas may cause pain, become infected, damage organs or produce cosmetic concerns in adolescents. Other teens with NF-1 may enter puberty earlier or later than expected, and some also may develop scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. Teens with scoliosis may complain of back pain. And high blood pressure, which could have no symptoms or headache as a symptom, may occur albeit rarely in NF-1. The symptoms of NF-2 usually occur during or after adolescence. Since a mass on both acoustic nerves is seen in NF-2, symptoms may include
