1. TOBY HAYDE 6 TH HOUR Neurofibromatosis

2. What is Neurofibromatosis? Neurofibromatosis (NF) is a genetic disorder that disturbs cell growth in the nervous system, causing tumors to form on nerve tissue. There are 3 types of neurofibromatosis, NF1 and NF2, and Schwannomatosis

3. What are the symptoms of NF1? Multiple freckles in the armpit or groin area Tiny growths in the iris (colored area) of the eye; these are called Lisch nodules and usually do not affect eyesight. Neurofibromas that occur on or under the skin, sometimes even deep within the body; these are benign (harmless) tumors; however, in rare cases, they can turn malignant or cancerous. Bone deformities, including a twisted spine (scoliosis) or bowed legs Tumors along the optic nerve, which may cause eyesight problems Nerve-related pain

4. What are the symptoms of NF2 & Schwannomatosis ? Bone deformities, including a twisted spine (scoliosis) or bowed legs Tumors along the optic nerve, which may cause eyesight problems Nerve-related pain Pain from the enlarging tumors Numbness and tingling of the fingers or toes Weakness in the fingers and toes

5. What are the causes of NF? As previously stated, NF is a genetic disorder (passed on by family members through our genes). 30-50% of newly diagnosed patients have no family history of the disease, the culprit being random mutations in DNA, it is then passed down to offspring.

6. Is there a cure? Unfortunately, there is no known cure for NF, however treatment is available to try and relieve the symptoms. Surgery can be offered to remove the tumors caused by the disease.

7. Is NF deadly? NF has not been directly linked to any deaths however it is one of the main contributors. Because of the tumors it causes, airways often get blocked and victims are suffocated. In some cases the rapid cell production has caused the patients neck to snap.

8. Work Cited http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Joseph_Merri ck_carte_de_visite_photo,_c._1889.jpg – Elephant Man Pic (Intro Slide) http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/be/Joseph_Merri ck_carte_de_visite_photo,_c._1889.jpg http://medicalpoint.org/wp- content/uploads/2012/12/neurofibromatosis-pictures.jpg - NF Patient (Intro Slide) http://medicalpoint.org/wp- content/uploads/2012/12/neurofibromatosis-pictures.jpg http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/neurofibromatosis/detail_neurofi bromatosis.htm http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/neurofibromatosis/detail_neurofi bromatosis.htm http://www.webmd.com/pain-management/neurofibromatosis