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What is Neurofibroma?

Benign tumors called neurofibromas develop on the body's nerves. They are made up of blood arteries, various cell and fiber types, and an overabundance of nerve tissue. Subcutaneous neurofibroma, cutaneous neurofibroma, and cutaneous neurofibroma can develop on nerves beneath the skin or deeper within the body, such as the spine, chest, and abdomen.

What can I expect if my child has Neurofibroma?

Compared to ordinary children, children with neurofibroma may take longer to walk, talk, and accomplish other developmental milestones. They might also suffer headaches, trouble learning, hyperactivity, a head that appears enormous for the body, and lumps under and under the skin. A lower height than the majority of kids their age, as well as scoliosis, or side-to-side backbone bends. Freckles in their armpits or in the groin, the fold between the belly and hip, or a curvature, weakening, or weakness of the forearms or lower leg bones.

What are the Common Symptoms of Neurofibroma?

The kind, size, and location of the tumor all affect the symptoms of neurofibroma. Some neurofibroma patients may never have any symptoms. However, neurofibromas can occasionally result in severe health problems like blindness or paralysis. Pressing on neurofibromas can cause pain and itching.

Causes, Risk Factors and Complications of Neurofibroma

Causes

A mutation or alteration in a gene known as the NF1 gene results in neurofibromas, a sign of neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). Instructions for producing the protein neurofibromin are encoded by the NF1 gene. A tumor suppressor protein called neurofibromin typically stops cells from proliferating or dividing too rapidly or uncontrolled. It accomplishes this by controlling a protein known as the ras protein, which promotes cell division and proliferation. A mutation in the NF1 gene allows cells to proliferate and develop into tumors by ceasing to inhibit cell proliferation.

If one parent has the genetic mutation, the person may inherit NF1. One of their parents might have passed the mutation on to that parent. About half of NF1 patients have no family history of the condition.

Risk Factors

The majority of neurofibromas are not dangerous and can be monitored by a physician by routine physical examinations, imaging tests, and, if necessary, biopsies.

Complications

Neurofibroma location can complicate things and surgery can be challenging depending on the tumors’ size, location, and connection with the underlying nerve. As the surgical team prepares to remove the tumor, it may have to deal with a number of obstacles. Based on particular symptoms and concerns, doctors will assist in reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of surgery.

Neurofibroma complications might include: Neurofibroma surgery can be challenging depending on the tumor's size, location, and connection with the underlying nerve. As your surgical team prepares to remove the tumor, it may have to deal with a number of obstacles. Based on your particular symptoms and concerns, your doctor will assist you in reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of surgery.

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Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Neurofibroma in India

In India, treatment for neurofibromatosis is multifaceted:

Neurosurgeons concentrate on using surgery to eliminate or minimize neurofibromatosis-related tumors and lesions, especially when they affect the nerve system or produce severe symptoms. The goals of surgery are to reduce pressure, control problems, and enhance brain function.

Oncologists in medicine in neurofibromatosis employ systemic therapies, such as chemotherapy and targeted treatments, to reduce tumor growth and manage symptoms. These therapies aid in the management of disease progression and related consequences, as well as the treatment of tumors that cannot be surgically removed.

Neurofibroma Prevention Tips

Since neurofibroma is a genetic disorder, there is no way that we can prevent neurofibroma.

Treatment options for Neurofibroma

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is often used to treat neurofibromatosis tumors, including neurofibromas and plexiform neurofibromas. While most patients with neurofibromatosis do not develop cancer, chemotherapy can also be used to treat malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) and other complications. Chemotherapy drugs work by destroying cells that divide rapidly, helping to shrink neurofibromas and alleviate symptom


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Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy can be used to treat certain complications of neurofibromatosis, such as optic nerve gliomas, acoustic neuromas, and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors. It can also be used to shrink neurofibromas, although these noncancerous tumors are usually left untreated unless they are particularly large or painful

A medical practitioner will examine the patient and evaluate their medical history in order to diagnose a neurofibroma.

A CT or MRI scan may be necessary for the patient. Imaging can assist in determining the tumor's location. Additionally, CT and MRI can identify the tissues that are impacted and detect extremely small tumors. The tumor's malignancy status can be determined via a PET scan. Benign tumors are those that are not malignant.

For diagnosis, a sample of the neurofibroma may be obtained and examined. We call this a biopsy. A biopsy also may be needed if surgery is being considered as a treatment.

Some patients return home the same day of surgery, while others may need to stay in the hospital for one to three days, depending on the size and location of the neurofibroma. Rehab may be necessary for a full recovery, which could take six months.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved selumetinib (Koselugo) as a treatment for pediatric plexiform neurofibroma. The medication can reduce a tumor's size. Similar medications are presently undergoing clinical trials in both adults and children.

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Hospitals for Neurofibroma in India

Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma: Top Doctors, and Reviews
Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma

Delhi, India

Clear Medi Hospital, Karkardooma located in New Delhi, India is accredited by ISO. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • There are 12 Linear Accelerators in all hospitals of Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi, India and more in the development stage.
  • Over 25 surgical and medical specialties across all Clear Medi Hospitals
  • Care Medi is one of the biggest Oncology care organisations in India.
  • Hospital management solutions provided to over 15 partner healthcare organisations managing more than 300 beds.
  • The organisation consists of offerings such as clinical manpower management and equipment management.
  • Advanced radiology and nuclear medicine centres
  • Professionally managed international patient care
  • Clear Medi Hospital, Delhi has a capacity of 100 beds.
  • Clear Medi is a multispecialty hospital.
  • It is a NABH (National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare providers) certified hospital.
  • It has Oncology and Cardiac departments with an Intensive Care Unit.
  • It also has fully equipped Operation Theatres.
  • Clear Medi Hospital ensures coordination with patients and International Patient assistance
  • It has an online Tumor Board with a number of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists.
American Oncology Institute: Top Doctors, and Reviews
American Oncology Institute

Hyderabad, India

American Oncology Institute located in Hyderabad, India is accredited by AAAHC. Also listed below are some of the most prominent infrastructural details:

  • Equipped with the most advanced technology
  • TruebeamStx + Calypso combination used for precise radiation therapy
  • Backed by advanced equipment like 4D PET CT Imaging, Luminous Acupulse DUO laser, Rapid Arc, MRI, Brachytherapy, Digital Mammography 
  • Radiation oncology techniques- Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, Rapid Arc, Image-Guided Radiation Therapy,
  • Stereotactic Radiosurgery, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
  • All types of patient accommodation available which provide a comfortable stay to the patients & relatives.
  • Fully equipped ICUs with the latest monitoring & therapeutic facilities for critically ill patients
  • In house 24/7 blood bank for medical oncology service
  • Well-designed patient rooms, therapy rooms OTs, consultation chambers, ICUs, walkways, lounges, parking
  • Digital Breast Tomosynthesis is the breast imaging digital technology with 3D imaging
  • Dedicated leukemia wing caters to the needs of the patients who are at a high risk of developing an infection
  • State-of-the art PET CT, GE Discovery IQ 3 Ring16 PET with LightBurst technology
  • Individual cabins for patients needing chemotherapy
  • Friendly facility for differently-abled
  • Exclusive outpatient consulting section
  • Airport pick-up & drop
  • Accommodation
  • Currency exchange
  • The estimated cost of treatment
  • Language interpreters
  • Payment
  • Medical opinion
  • Additional services
  • Relationship manager
  • Meals
  • 24/7 Personal nurses*
  • Visa assistance
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology: Top Doctors, and Reviews
The Madras Institute of Orthopedics and Traumatology

Chennai, India

MIOT started its journey with only 70 beds and focusing on Orthopedics and Trauma care. However, we grew into a multi-specialty hospital with time. MIOT is now a 1000-bedded hospital and can offer an extensive range of services across 63 specialties. The state of art laboratory of our hospital is ranked 8th internationally. We have 21 super-specialty operation theaters equipped with cutting-edge technology to help our doctors with complex procedures.

We take great care to make our patient rooms comfortable enough. The patient rooms get plenty of fresh air as well as natural light. The soothing views from the rooms do not let the patients feel cut off from the outside world. We use separate entrances for emergency patients, out-patients, in-patients, and their attendants. We put our patients’ safety first which is why we use a superior air system to ensure a near-zero infection healthy environment.

Apart from that, MIOT’s 24 hours blood bank provides all kinds of blood work related services which include blood collection to component separation. This state-of-art blood bank alone handles more than 30,000 units of blood over the course of a year. Every month around 600 blood transfusions are managed by this blood bank.

MIOT’s SIGNA Pioneer 3T MRI machine is made with noise reduction technology. This silent MRI machine can deliver superior quality neuroimages without wasting any time. The department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences can give tough competition to any international hospital with its advanced technology and accuracy.

The PET CT service at MIOT International is the first of its kind in South India enabling better and more accurate diagnosis than earlier. The superior diagnosis is also possible for the two digital cath labs at MIOT Heart Revive center.

We also have a physiotherapy team where a team of highly efficient physiotherapists deals with the mobility and functional disability issues of our patients. They listen to the patients carefully to identify the root of the pain and use therapeutic exercises to reduce their pain.

The CCU of MIOT is something to be proud of. The specially-trained staff of this unit is dedicated to ensuring top-quality medical support to serious patients. This unit along with the MIOT International Laboratory is the backbone of our facility.

Furthermore, what makes MIOT unique is our Telemedicine service. In the new normal, we are trying everything to reach our patients. Our one of its kind Telemedicine service connects our patients to our 250 full-time doctors over email, phone, chat and video consultations.

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Why Choose India for Neurofibroma Treatment?

Here are some of the reasons for choosing India:

  • Due to advancements in medical facilities, such as minimally invasive surgical techniques.
  • World-class experts include highly experienced doctors, JCI, and NABH-accredited healthcare institutions.
  • Compared to other countries, treatment in Indian hospitals is cost-effective.
  • Indian hospitals provide international patient services, including a multilingual support system.

Improved treatment methods and biological therapies.

Frequently Asked Questions

There is currently no treatment that can cause the majority of neurofibromas to recede or go away, and the only option to get rid of them once they have grown is through surgery. For children aged 2 and up with NF1 who have plexiform neurofibromas that produce symptoms and cannot be surgically removed, the Food and Drug Administration has approved the oral drug selumetinib. A malignant plexiform neurofibroma may require chemotherapy and radiation treatment. There may be clinical trials available for specific neurofibroma types.

With skilled neurosurgeons and cutting-edge medical technology, India has demonstrated significant success rates in treating neurofibroma. The nation's healthcare institutions offer top-notch treatment alternatives, guaranteeing successful outcomes for many patients.

Yes, many Indian hospitals offer the following for neurofibroma treatment:

  • Advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, CT scan, electromyography, and PET scan for accurate neurofibroma diagnosis.
  • Skilled neurologist and oncologist for neurofibroma.
  • Advanced radiation and chemotherapy procedures.
  • Comprehensive post-surgery care and follow-up to ensure long-term heart health.

Always consider the following factors when selecting Indian hospitals:

  • Hospitals that are accredited (authorised by JCI and NABH).
  • Patient reviews and success rates.
  • Hospitals that provide seamless care to patients from abroad.

In general, neurofibroma treatment has much improved in India. The success rate largely depends on tumor size and their location. Some neurofibromas can be completely removed surgically while others require both chemotherapy and radiation therapy to keep them under check or to reduce size so that they can be surgically removed.

You must look for any lumps or rubbery bumps on the baby's skin and determine whether the baby is itching. To confirm the diagnosis, a concerned physician should do a physical examination and other tests.

Depending on where they are located, neurofibromas, particularly plexiform neurofibromas, can grow considerably over time and may put pressure on organs and nerves, resulting in pain, weakness, or functional impairment. Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs), which can develop from pre-existing neurofibromas, are more likely to occur in people with neurofibromatosis. Neurological difficulties such as vision problems (optic nerve gliomas), hearing loss, migraines, seizures, and cognitive deficits might arise depending on the location of tumors. Scoliosis is one of the bone abnormalities that some children with neurofibromatosis may acquire. Neurofibromatosis has been linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure and certain heart problems. Multiple spots on the skin are frequently the most obvious symptom, and they can lead to social anxiety and self-consciousness.

No, we cannot cure neurofibroma before birth.

Here are some ways you can take care of your child:

The majority of kids with neurofibroma lead normal, full lives with only minor symptoms. A child with neurofibroma requires routine examinations so that medical professionals can screen for:

  • Issues with the eyes
  • Issues with blood pressure
  • Fresh tumors
  • Tumor growth, scoliosis, and difficulties with learning

Author

Fauzia Zeb Fatima
Fauzia Zeb Fatima

M.Pharm

4 Years of Experience

Fauzia Zeb is a distinguished medical and scientific content writer with a robust academic foundation in pharmaceutical sciences, holding a B.Pharm and M.Pharm degree from prestigious institutions, including MIT and Jamia Hamdard University. Her comprehensive expertise in pharmacology, clinical sciences, and biomedical research enables her to translate complex medical and scientific concepts into precise, evidence-based content tailored for diverse audiences. Specializing in peer-reviewed articles, clinical blog posts, and research-driven publications, she demonstrates a consistent ability to bridge the gap between advanced medical science and accessible, audience-specific communication. View More

Reviewer

Dr. Mohit Agarwal
Dr. Mohit Agarwal

Medical Oncologist

14 Years of Experience

One of the finest Oncologist in New Delhi, India, Dr. Mohit Agarwal has worked with several world class multidisciplinary hospitals over the years. Dr. Mohit Agarwal has over 14+ years of experience in his field. The doctor treats and manages a wide range of conditions such as Stomach Cancer, Rectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Brain Cancer View More

Last Reviewed - January 2026