Management issues in massive pediatric facial plexiform neurofibroma with neurofibromatosis type 1 Journal Article


Authors: Wise, J. B.; Patel, S. G.; Shah, J. P.
Article Title: Management issues in massive pediatric facial plexiform neurofibroma with neurofibromatosis type 1
Abstract: Background. Plexiform neurofibroma is a relatively common but potentially devastating manifestation of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Surgical management is the mainstay of therapy, but within the head and neck region it is limited by the infiltrating nature of these tumors, inherent operative morbidity, and high rate of regrowth. Method. We describe a case of a 7-year-old girl with neurofibromatosis type 1 and a massive facial plexiform neurofibroma with the aim of emphasizing the treatment and timing issues involved in the management of this difficult problem. A MEDLINE search (1966 through December 2000) was carried out, and pertinent literature on the subject was reviewed. Result. The patient described in this case report was carefully observed for a period of 6 years from diagnosis before surgical excision of the tumor was undertaken with an uneventful recovery. Conclusion. Surgical management remains the mainstay of treatment for these locally invasive tumors, but functional disturbances are almost inevitable in resecting substantial tumors involving the head and neck region. The indication and timing of surgery in pediatric patients therefore needs to be carefully weighed against the physical and psychologic consequences of treatment. © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Keywords: child; human tissue; school child; treatment outcome; cancer surgery; surgical technique; clinical feature; case report; head and neck surgery; neurofibromatosis; neurofibromatosis 1; facial neoplasms; time factors; phakomatosis; head and neck cancer; neurofibroma; autosomal dominant disorder; soft tissue neoplasms; penetrance; face tumor; soft tissue cancer; humans; prognosis; human; female; priority journal; article; head and neck neoplasms/su; neurofibromatoses/su; neurofibroma, plexiform
Journal Title: Head & Neck
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
ISSN: 1043-3074
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.  
Date Published: 2002-02-01
Start Page: 207
End Page: 211
Language: English
DOI: 10.1002/hed.10001
PUBMED: 11891951
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Export Date: 14 November 2014 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Snehal G Patel
    412 Patel
  2. Jatin P Shah
    721 Shah