[Recklinghausen disease and surgery: clinical case].

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder characterized by tumor development on nerve sheaths.
• NF1 can manifest with various cutaneous and subcutaneous lesions, including neurofibromas.
• Complications include disfigurement and functional impairment, necessitating specialized management.

Observation:

• A 35-year-old patient with NF1 presented with multiple small skin lesions and significant, bulky cervico-thoracic tumors.
• These large tumors caused considerable physical disfigurement and psychological distress.
• The tumors were functionally impairing, impacting the patient's quality of life.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention was performed for the removal of the bulky, invalidating tumors.
• The surgical procedure involved tumor ablation and single-stage cutaneous closure.
• The palliative surgery yielded highly satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcomes.

Implications:

• Surgical management can be a valuable option for NF1 patients experiencing debilitating tumor growth.
• Early and effective surgical intervention can improve patient quality of life and body image.
• This case underscores the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in managing complex NF1 cases.