Neurofibromatosis Surgical Excision

Neurofibromatosis surgical excision involves the removal of neurofibromas, the benign tumors associated with the condition, to improve both cosmetic appearance and functional outcomes.

Challenges of Neurofibroma Excision

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that causes the development of tumors along the nerves in the body, specifically plexiform neurofibromas and peripheral nerve sheath tumors. These tumors can be benign or malignant, with malignant transformation being possible in some cases. Neurofibromatosis affects people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in children. Plexiform neurofibromas are non-cancerous tumors that form along the nerves of the body, typically around the spine. They are often found in areas such as the neck and chest and may cause pain and other symptoms. Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) are also non-cancerous tumors, but they grow around peripheral nerves near organs such as the heart or digestive tract and can cause pain or other complications.

Neurofibromatosis is a complex disorder with no known cure, however, there are treatments available to help manage symptoms associated with these conditions. Surgery is one of several options used to remove these tumors or reduce their size; this procedure is known as surgical excision and can be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in Pasadena, CA. Other treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, clinical trials involving new drugs or therapies, and supportive care to manage symptoms related to neurofibromatosis. Supportive care, such as physical therapy, may also help manage any pain or physical limitations caused by neurofibromatosis. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals living with neurofibromatosis can have an improved quality of life while managing their condition effectively over time.

a man touching another man's back during hug

Types of Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is categorized into two primary types: Type 1 (NF1) and Type 2 (NF2). NF1 is the most common type and involves the development of benign tumors called cutaneous neurofibromas throughout the body. These tumors may be cosmetically disfiguring but are usually not dangerous or life-threatening. NF2 typically affects cranial nerve 8 and can cause acoustic neuromas, which can lead to hearing loss and balance problems if left untreated. Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 may also experience issues involving spinal cord tumors and optic gliomas, both of which can be treated through surgical removal or medical treatment, depending on the case. In addition to these treatments, regular monitoring is necessary to ensure tumor growth is not occurring and to address any changes in symptoms or function. Patients with Neurofibromatosis Type 2 often require more aggressive treatment options due to the severity of their condition. Surgical removal is generally recommended for acoustic neuromas as well as other cranial nerve-related tumors, while medical management may be necessary for those with multiple cranial nerve lesions or other complications caused by NF2. Overall, anyone living with neurofibromatosis needs to work closely with a skilled healthcare provider or plastic surgeon in Pasadena, CA, who specializes in this field to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs and goals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals living with neurofibromatosis can have an improved quality of life while managing their condition effectively over time.

Causes of Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that results in a gene mutation that causes nerve cells to grow and divide abnormally. This can lead to a variety of tumors that can arise throughout the body, including peripheral nerve tumors, brain tumors, and other neurological disorders. The rapid growth of these tumors can cause pain and other symptoms depending on the location of the tumor. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals living with neurofibromatosis can have an improved quality of life while managing their condition effectively over time. Surgical excision is often used to remove or reduce the size of a tumor, while chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and clinical trials involving new drugs or therapies may also be necessary for some cases. Supportive care, such as physical therapy, may also help manage any pain or physical limitations caused by neurofibromatosis. It’s important for anyone who has been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis to work closely with their healthcare provider and plastic surgeon to develop an individualized treatment plan based on their specific condition and needs. With proper diagnosis and treatment, individuals living with neurofibromatosis can have an improved quality of life while managing their condition effectively over time.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause tumors to grow throughout the body, including on nerves, skin, and organs. This condition can vary in severity and may affect people of all ages. Symptoms can include changes in skin pigmentation, tumors or lumps under the skin, physical deformities and abnormalities, headaches, learning disabilities, seizures, vision problems, or hearing loss. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and other imaging tests may be used to diagnose neurofibromatosis. A major symptom of neurofibromatosis is high blood pressure which often occurs in children with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). This type of neurofibromatosis is also associated with a tumor suppressor gene mutation which causes abnormal growth of nerve cells that can lead to tumors or lumps under the skin. Blood vessel abnormalities are also common and can include thickening of blood vessels or narrowing of arteries.

Clinical features among NF1 patients vary depending on age and may include café-au-lait spots, axillary freckling, and nodular lesions called neurofibromas. NF2 patients commonly experience symptoms such as hearing loss due to acoustic neuromas located on cranial nerve 8. These are usually treated through complete removal via surgery, but medical management may be necessary for those with multiple cranial nerve lesions or other complications caused by NF2. Surgical management is typically recommended for both NF1 and NF2 patients who present with symptoms such as facial deformities due to benign tumors on their faces or heads, as well as spinal cord tumors or optic gliomas that require treatment. Surgery plays an important role in treating these conditions by providing relief from pain and restoring function when possible.

Complications Associated with Surgical Excision for Neurofibromatosis in Pasadena, CA

Complications associated with surgical excision for neurofibromatosis can include risk for scarring, nerve damage, infection, and recurrence of tumors. Optic nerve damage is a primary concern when performing surgical excision on the face or head due to the proximity of the nerves to the tumor site. In addition, patients with NF1 are at greater risk for complications due to genetic mutations that can cause tumors to grow aggressively. Common complications associated with surgical excision for neurofibromatosis include scarring due to incisions made in the skin during surgery as well as damage to surrounding structures such as muscles and nerves. Patients may also be at risk for infection after surgery due to weakened immune systems caused by their condition. In some cases, recurrence of the tumor may occur if it was not completely removed during surgery or if new cells form in the same area. Patients should discuss potential risks and complications with their surgeon prior to any surgical procedure in order to understand what they may experience beforehand and after treatment. Additionally, it is important for patients to follow all post-surgical instructions given by their healthcare provider in order to reduce the chances of complications arising from surgery and ensure successful outcomes.

Why choose Dr Panossian

He received his medical education at Tufts University School of Medicine.
Graduated at the top of his class at UCLA, receiving Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude honors.
Was accepted into an elite combined general surgery and plastic surgery residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Completed subspecialty training in craniofacial surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and Harvard Medical School.
Was mentored by Dr. Ron Zuker in the practice of facial paralysis reconstruction. This prestigious fellowship position was available to only one surgeon in the United States.
Is affiliated with various charitable and educational organizations, including Operation Smile and Mending Kids.
Is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the highly selective American Association of Plastic Surgeons, reserved for only a select group of individuals nationally who have demonstrated excellence in academic plastic surgery.
Holds memberships in several other professional societies including the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery.
He serves on the Board of Directors for Mending Kids and the Gondobay Manga Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of lives in Sierra Leone.
Has been nominated by his peers annually since 2012 as a “Super Doctor.”
Served as an expert medical consultant and appeared on The Doctors, Grey’s Anatomy, and Nip/Tuck.
Has been featured as “Top Doctor” in US News and World Report, Pasadena Magazine, and Los Angeles Magazine.

- A.C

"Dr Panossian is extremely professional and provided with excellent service during my surgery and follow up appointment. I would definitely recommend him to friend, family and anyone needing his services."