Type 2 Neurofibromatosis (NF-2) is similar in some respect to NF-1 where a mutation in a specific gene (NF-2 gene) on a different chromosome (chromosome 22) causes uncontrolled cell growth. Aside from affecting a different gene than NF-1, it is characterized by specific nervous system tumors including vestibular schwannomas (tumors of the eight cranial nerve involved in balance and hearing), intracranial and spinal meningiomas, and other spinal tumors. It is much less common than NF-1, occurring in roughly 1 in 30,000 individuals.
in neurofibromatosis type 2.
Key Features For (NF Type 2) Diagnosis
(one of the following must be present)
- Bilateral 8th nerve tumors on MRI or CT
- Parent or sibling with NF-2 and unilateral 8th nerve tumor or 2 of the following: meningioma, neurofibroma, glioma, schwannoma, or juvenile posterior subscapular lenticular opacity
Most of the signs and symptoms of NF-2 appear during adolescence or later. Most frequently, early signs of hearing loss, balance issues, and ringing in the ears signal the presence of vestibular schwannomas. The tumors appear in both ears in a person’s twenties. Tumors developing in other parts of the nervous system may exhibit different signs and symptoms. NF-2 has a predilection for affecting the central nervous system and cranial nerves, including the facial nerve which can cause facial paralysis. Cataracts can form in one or both eyes and fluid can build up in the brain.
Similar to NF-1, the NF-2 gene mutation causes an error in the formation of a tumor suppressor protein called merlin. The lack of the functional version of the protein leads to uncontrolled growth of tumors arising from the supporting cells of nerves, called Schwann cells.
Similar to NF-1, NF-2 is considered to have an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Once again, half of affected patients inherit a mutated copy of the NF-2 gene. The remaining individuals result from new mutations and have no known family history of the condition.
Two copies of the altered gene are necessary to cause NF-2. One copy may be present at birth, and the other can occur during a person’s lifetime. These secondary mutations are thought to occur in Schwann cells or other nerve cell types.
Genetic testing is sometimes necessary to elucidate the type of neurofibromatosis present. However, the diagnosis is often made on physical exam and testing alone.
What to do if you have been diagnosed with NF-2
If you or a family member are diagnosed with NF-2, the first step is consultation with a neurologist or geneticist with a background in neurofibromatosis. Depending upon the findings and severity, you may need a referral to a neurosurgeon to evaluate the need for surgical removal of vestibular schwannomas or other brain tumors. Once stable in terms of growth of brain masses, you may need to see a plastic surgeon specializing in neurofibromatosis to address peripheral nerve dysfunction and symptoms of pain and/or disfigurement. Dr. Panossian is an expert in the fields of neurofibromatosis and facial paralysis reconstruction, offering cutting-edge options for reanimating the face in the wake of NF-2.
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.
Last modified by Dr. Andre Panossian
