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Living with Neurofibroma

A non-cancerous tumor that grows from the cells and tissues that cover nerves.

Understanding Neurofibroma

Neurofibroma is a non-cancerous (benign) tumor that develops from the cells and tissues that cover nerves.

Some people who develop neurofibromas have a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis (NF). There are different types of NF, and type 1 is the most common. GARD lists onset in adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

GARD lists these types of features:

  • Neurofibroma
  • Enlarged nerves
  • Lumps under the skin
  • Plexiform neurofibroma

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include brain and nervous system specialists and cancer specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Brain and nervous system specialists (neurologists); Cancer specialists (oncologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Do I have neurofibromatosis?
Do my tumors need to be removed or monitored?
Which specialists should be on my care team?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startAdult

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition. Some people with neurofibromas have a genetic condition known as neurofibromatosis.

Neurological

Also known as: benign neurofibroma; multiple neurofibromas; neurofibroma (who grade i); neurofibroma, benign; neurofibromata

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · NeurofibromaGARD ID 7191 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Neurofibroma.

Explore the Neurofibroma blog

Explore research for Neurofibroma

Explore actively recruiting Neurofibroma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Neurofibroma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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I can help you find recruiting Neurofibroma studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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