The neurofibromatoses are a heterogeneous group of hereditary cancer syndromes that lead to tumors of the central and peripheral nervous systems, as well as other organ systems. By far the most common form is neurofibromatosis 1 (96%), followed by neurofibromatosis 2 (3%), and a more recently recognized, lesser known form, schwannomatosis. The diagnostic criteria, pathogenesis, molecular considerations, and clinical manifestations are discussed in this review article.
Keywords: NF1; NF2; neurofibromatosis; schwannomatosis; von Recklinghausen disease.