Difference Between NF1 and NF2

Key Difference – NF1 vs NF2
 

Neurofibromatosis is one of the commonest neurogenetic disorders characterized by the development of numerous tumors arising from the nervous tissues. There are two forms of neurofibromatosis as NF1 (alias von Recklinghausen’s disease) and NF2. Only the neurofibromas develop in NF1. But different types of nervous tumors including cutaneous neurofibromas, acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, and gliomas develop in NF2. This is the key difference between NF1 and NF2.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is NF1
3. What is NF2
4. Similarities Between NF1 and NF2
5. Side by Side Comparison – NF1 vs NF2 in Tabular Form
6. Summary

What is NF1?

Neurofibromatosis 1 alias von Recklinghausen’s disease is one of the commonest neurogenetic disorders with a prevalence of 1 in 3000.  It is usually due to the inheritance of an autosomal dominant mutant gene but there are cases due to acquired mutations in the relevant gene too.

NF1 is characterized by numerous neurofibromas arising from the neurilemmal sheath and pigmentation.

Skin neurofibromas are present as subcutaneous, pedunculated lumps that increase in number throughout the life. Plexiform neurofibromas usually develop on the major nerves and proximal nerve roots.

Associated features of the disease include,

• Learning difficulties
• Malignant transformation
• Scoliosis
• Fibrodysplasia

Figure 01: Neurofibromas

Management

Surgical removal of the neurofibromas has to be done if the symptoms develop

What is NF2?

Neurofibromatosis 2 or NF2 is a rarer disease than NF1. It is also an autosomal dominant disorder where many different types of tumors appear.

• Cutaneous neurofibromas
• Acoustic neuromas
• Meningiomas
• Gliomas

What is the Similarity Between NF1 and NF2?

• Both are autosomal dominant diseases characterized by the formation of tumors

What is the Difference Between NF1 and NF2?

Summary – NF1 vs NF2

Neurofibromatosis is a nervous disorder with a genetic predisposition. In NF1 only neurofibromas develop whereas in NF2 different types of tumors including cutaneous neurofibromas, acoustic neuromas, meningiomas and gliomas develop. This is the key difference between NF1 and NF2.

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Reference:

1.Kumar, Parveen J., and Michael L. Clark. Kumar & Clark clinical medicine. Edinburgh: W.B. Saunders.

Image Courtesy:

1.”Neurofibroma02’By Klaus D. Peter, Gummersbach, Germany – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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