The general population risk of a couple unaffected with NF1 to have a child with NF1 is approximately 1 in 7000. Approximately 1 in 3500 children are born with NF1.
NF1 may be clinically suspected in individuals with clinical symptoms such as café-au-lait spots (has the appearance of a brown birthmark on the skin), neurofibromas (a tumor formed on a nerve sheath cell, typically benign), freckling in the groin area or in the armpits, optic glioma (a type of brain tumor), Lisch nodules (an eye finding which gives a freckling appearance to the colored part of the eye (iris)), an osseous lesion (a change in a bone), and/or a parent/ sibling/ child with NF1
Individuals suspected to have NF1 may benefit from an evaluation by a medical geneticist and genetic counseling. If you are interested in locating genetic services in your area, your primary care provider may be able to provide you with a referral, or you can use the National Society of Genetic Counselors "Find a Genetic Counselor" searchable directory to locate a genetic counselor in the United States or Canada. ‘
Other Questions About Neurofibromatosis, type 1
- Who else in my family should I test for Neurofibromatosis Type 1?
- Where do I find other people with Neurofibromatosis Type 1?
- What specialist doctors should I see with Neurofibromatosis Type 1?
- What lifestyle changes should be made for people with Neurofibromatosis Type 1?
- What is the likelihood that someone has Neurofibromatosis Type 1?
