Neurofibromatosis has no cure, so it is recommended to monitor the patient and perform annual exams to assess the progression of the disease and risk of complications.
In some cases, neurofibromatosis can be treated by surgery to remove the tumors, however surgery does not prevent the lesions from happening again. Learn to recognize the symptoms of neurofibromatosis.
How the treatment is done
Neurofibromatosis treatment is indicated when tumors grow too fast or when they cause aesthetic changes. Thus, surgery may be indicated by the doctor to remove tumors that are causing pressure on the organs or radiotherapy in order to reduce the volume of the tumors.
Although surgical treatment promotes the removal of lesions, it does not prevent the appearance of new tumors, thus, neurofibromatosis has no cure and, therefore, has no specific treatment.
If the patient has other symptoms, such as problems with development or growth, difficulties with balance or problems with bones, for example, it is important to be accompanied by specialized professionals, such as a physical therapist, osteopath, speech therapist or psychologist.
In the most severe cases, in which malignant tumors appear and the patient develops cancer, it may be necessary to have surgery to remove the tumor and radiotherapy or chemotherapy after surgery, to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
How to control neurofibromatosis
As there is no specific treatment for neurofibromatosis, it is recommended that the person undergo annual examinations to check if the disease is controlled or if there are complications. Thus, it is recommended that a skin examination, a vision test, a bone examination, an examination to assess development and skills such as reading, writing or comprehension are recommended.
In this way, the doctor assesses the progression of the disease and guides the patient in the best possible way.
Genetic counseling is important for those who want to have children, as genetic inheritance from parents to children is very common. Understand what genetic counseling is and how it is done.
