Question
A small tumor has appeared on the outer side of the child’s scalp, pink in color, soft to the touch, and glossy. The child’s father has a family history of neurofibromas. Could the child have a neurofibroma?
Answer
Neurofibromatosis currently has no cure. For intracranial and spinal cord tumors such as acoustic neuromas and optic gliomas, surgery can be performed, with some patients eligible for radiation therapy. Epilepsy patients can be treated with antiepileptic drugs. Pregnancy can accelerate the growth of acoustic neuromas. Ketotifen can inhibit mast cell release of histamine, and after 30 to 40 months of treatment, some patients may experience relief from itching and regional tenderness.