neurofibromatosis
Genetic nerve tumors
Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder causing tumors to grow on nerve tissue throughout the body.
These tumors, called neurofibromas, typically develop on or under the skin but can affect the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves.
The condition ranges from mild—producing only café-au-lait spots and small skin bumps—to severe, with disfiguring growths and serious complications: She was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis after doctors noticed multiple tumors along her spine.
Forming small pigmented spots
- macrocephalyEnlarged head circumference diagnosis
- scoliosisLateral vertebral deviation
- learning disabilitiesNeurological conditions affecting acquisition
- headachesPains in the skull
vision loss · hearing loss · pain · disfigurement · hypertension · pruritus · short stature
Relating to skin
- nodulesSmall rounded protuberances
- benignNot harmful or threatening
- gliomaNeoplasm of neural support cells
- meningiomaTumor from protective brain layers
subcutaneous · dermal · bilateral · multifocal · transformation
Permanent DNA alteration
- dominantHaving superior influence
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures
- genotypeOrganism's complete allele set
phenotype · geneticist · genetic counseling · pedigree · germline · alleles · DNA · heritable
Ongoing observation of something
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
- surgeryInvasive medical procedure
debulking · clinical trials · multidisciplinary · dermatologist · oncologist · ophthalmologist · orthopedist · audiologist
Lasting entire existence
- progressiveFavoring reform and innovation
- incurableCannot be healed
- symptomaticShowing signs of disease
- palliativeOffering relief, not remedy
coping · support groups · adaptation · patient education · self-care · disability · psychosocial · advocacy
Neural pathways outside CNS
- myelinNerve fiber insulation
- neuropathyDamage to peripheral nerves
- brainSeat of cognition
- spinal cordBrain's extension through vertebrae
cranial nerves · nerve sheath · paresthesia · weakness · numbness · seizures · cognitive · trigeminal
freckling
Forming small pigmented spots
- macrocephalyEnlarged head circumference diagnosis
- scoliosisLateral vertebral deviation
- learning disabilitiesNeurological conditions affecting acquisition
headaches · vision loss · hearing loss · pain · disfigurement · hypertension · pruritus · short stature
cutaneous
Relating to skin
- nodulesSmall rounded protuberances
- benignNot harmful or threatening
- gliomaNeoplasm of neural support cells
meningioma · subcutaneous · dermal · bilateral · multifocal · transformation
mutation
Permanent DNA alteration
- dominantHaving superior influence
- inheritanceProperty received from ancestors
- chromosomesGene-bearing nuclear structures
genotype · phenotype · geneticist · genetic counseling · pedigree · germline · alleles · DNA · heritable · locus
monitoring
Ongoing observation of something
- MRIMagnetic body imaging
- screeningEvaluative selection process
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
surgery · debulking · clinical trials · multidisciplinary · dermatologist · oncologist · ophthalmologist · orthopedist · audiologist · follow-up
lifelong
Lasting entire existence
- progressiveFavoring reform and innovation
- incurableCannot be healed
- symptomaticShowing signs of disease
palliative · coping · support groups · adaptation · patient education · self-care · disability · psychosocial · advocacy
peripheral nerves
Neural pathways outside CNS
- myelinNerve fiber insulation
- neuropathyDamage to peripheral nerves
- brainSeat of cognition
spinal cord · cranial nerves · nerve sheath · paresthesia · weakness · numbness · seizures · cognitive · trigeminal · auditory nerve