Neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type I (NF-1) is a tumor disorder that is caused by the mutation of a gene on chromosome 17 that is responsible for control of cell division. NF-1 causes tumors along the nervous system and can grow anywhere on the body. NF-1 is one of the most common genetic disorders and is not limited to any person's race or sex. Currently (2015), there are at least 100,000 people in the U.S. and about 150,000 people in the UK who have been diagnosed with NF. Common symptoms of NF-1 include brownish-red spots in the colored part of the eye called Lisch nodules, benign skin tumors called neurofibromas, and larger benign tumors of nerves called plexiform neurofibromas, scoliosis (curvature of the spine), learning disabilities, vision disorders, Mental Disabilities, Multiple café au lait spots and epilepsy.