Neurofibromatosis type 1 of the head and neck: dilemmas in management

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF 1) or Von Recklinghausen's disease is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by multiple skin café-au-lait lesions and multiple neurofibromas. In the head and neck neurofibromas have a predilection to arise in th deep planes of the neck. Surgical management is nearly always required for functional or cosmetic reasons or to exclude the possibility of malignant transformation. We present four cases of neurofibroma of the head and neck and illustrate the difficulties inherent in managing this condition, particularly the age range in which it may occur, the risk of malignant transformation, the possibility of abnormal bleeding and the morbidity that may be associated with the surgical resection. The role of magnetic resonance (MR) scan in the assessment and monitoring of these lesions is highlighted. We also report a unique association of a pharyngeal pouch with NF 1 in a young (25-year-old) patient.