A Solitary or Plexifrom Neurofibroma is a nerve sheath tumor; usually arise from schwann cells that code for a protein called Neurofibromin. A neurofibroma is a benign nerve sheath tumor, divided into two categories: Dermal and Plexiform. Dermals are associated with a single peripheral nerve however plexiforms associates multiple nerve bundles. Plexiform is supplemented with pain, physical disfigurement and neurological defects These extend through multiple layers of tissue and cause organ damage
These tumors often surround vital nerves, vessels, and joints. Therefore, they are not usually curable with surgery. If they become cosmetically unacceptable, or irritate nearby nerves, they can be partially removed. Because patients with neurofibromatosis type 1 often have multiple plexiform neurofibromas that cannot be completely excised without significant risk to nearby nerves, surgery is rarely recommended. If there is any suspicion of malignancy, an immediate biopsy and/or removal can be performed.
