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Neurofibroma
Classification & external resources

Histopathologic image of cutanous neurofibroma obtained by biopsy
ICD-O:	9540-9550
DiseasesDB	23371
MeSH	D009455

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.^[1]

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.

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.^[2]

In November 2006, an hour-long documentary was shown on the British television network Channel 4 about Facing the World, an organization that helps children with severe facial disfigurements in developing countries. One of the children featured on the documentary was Arianto, an Indonesian boy who suffered from a severe form of neurofibroma resulting in hemifacial giganticism.

1. ^ Miller RT. Immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of schwannoma and neurofibroma. Propath 2004 Oct. http://www.ihcworld.com/_newsletter/2004/2004-10_NF_vs_schwannoma_v1.pdf
2. ^ Babovic S, Bite U, Karnes PS, Babovic-Vuksanovic D (2003). "Liposuction: a less invasive surgical method of debulking plexiform neurofibromas". Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.] 29 (7): 785–7. PMID 12828709. 

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