Neurofibromatosis type 1

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder that affects how cells grow, leading to the development of tumors along nerves in the skin and throughout the body. It is caused by a mutation in a specific gene that normally helps regulate cell growth. Common signs include light brown skin spots called café-au-lait spots, small bumps under the skin called neurofibromas, and potential learning difficulties. While NF1 varies widely in severity, it is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical monitoring to manage symptoms and reduce complications.