Neurofibroma
Neurofibromas are nerve tumors that form diffuse structures within the nerve well-defined or outside of the nerve. They consist of neoplastic Schwann cells, fibroblasts, and perineural cells which are embedded in a matrix of collagen fibers. They are classified on the WHO scale of I-IV with stage I. From schwannoma they are distinguished by a higher content of connective tissue substance and the fact that they can not be surgically separated from the nerves and these must be sacrificed in the rule.
You can as solitary nodules virtually anywhere where nerve tissue is present, occur. They most often occur on the skin. Multiple occurrence can be observed in particular in the neurofibromatosis type 1, and is due to a mutation in the NF1 gene. The plexiform variant occurs predominantly in larger nerves and there is a risk of malignancy in this for more peripheral malignant nerve sheath tumor ( MPNST ).
Therapy
Neurofibromas of the skin can be removed from a cosmetic indication, also because patients can get with pronounced changes in social isolation. Here, the treatment with the CO2 laser has proven that can erode a large number of fibroids in a treatment session. A scarless removal is not possible with the laser treatment. The surgical removal of fibroids in the central nervous system and peripheral nerves is associated with the risk of malfunction.