What is the hallmark tumor of NF2?
Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are the hallmark feature of NF2 and present in approximately 90% to 95% of patients. Meningiomas are seen in approximately 50% of patients with NF2.
What are NF2 tumors?
Neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is a genetic condition that causes tumours to grow along your nerves. The tumours are usually non-cancerous (benign) but may cause a range of symptoms. Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is covered separately because it has different symptoms and causes. It’s also much more common than NF2.
Is NF2 a rare disease?
NF2 is a rare disorder that affects males and females in equal numbers. All races and ethnic groups are equally affected by this disorder. The estimated incidence of NF2 is 1 in 33,000 people worldwide. The symptoms of this disease typically become apparent during puberty or early adulthood.
How is NF2 diagnosed?
How is neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) diagnosed?
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain and spinal cord to determine the location of the tumors.
- Hearing tests.
- Vision tests.
- Genetic testing.
What are symptoms of NF2?
Neurofibromatosis type 2 symptoms vary, but almost all people with NF2 develop vestibular schwannomas, benign nerve tumors, in both ears, which can cause:
- Dizziness.
- Hearing loss, which may begin as early as the teenage years.
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Problems with facial expressions.
- Issues with balance.
What age is NF2 diagnosed?
The average age of symptom onset in patients with NF2 is about 20 years, while the average age of diagnosis is at about age 28.
Does everyone with NF2 go deaf?
An estimated one in 25,000 people is born with NF2, a hereditary tumor syndrome in which virtually everyone progresses to deafness because of vestibular schwannomas — tumors growing on the nerves responsible for hearing.
Does NF2 cause blindness?
The NF2 condition is rare; the rare condition includes tumors and rare eye problems. The eye problems are uncommon enough that twenty-percent (20%) of vision loss of individuals with NF2 with a diagnosis of ocular abnormalities.