von Recklinghausen's Neurofib... Health Article

Radiation therapy

—Exposing tumor cells to controlled doses of x-ray irradiation for treatment. Although tumor cells are susceptible to irradiation, surrounding tissues will also be damaged. Radiation therapy alone rarely cures a tumor, but can be useful when used in conjunction with other forms of therapy or when a patient cannot tolerate other forms of therapy.

Schwannoma

—Tumor that grows from the cells that line the nerves of the body (Schwann cells).

Tinnitus

—Noises in the ear that can include ringing, whistling or booming.

Tumor

—An abnormally multiplying mass of cells. Tumors that invade surrounding tissues and other parts of the body are malignant and considered a cancer. Non-malignant tumors do not invade surrounding tissues and other parts of the body. Malignant and non-malignant tumors can cause severe symptoms and death.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• How can I tell if I have neurofibromatosis?
• Which type of neurofibromatosis do I have?
• Will I develop tumors? Will they be cancerous?
• Is my neurofibromatosis genetic?
• What medical tests are important?
• What treatments are available for neurofibromatosis?
• Will I die from neurofibromatosis?