[Neurofibrosarcomas in neurofibromatosis 1]

Between 1983 and 1987 three patients (mean age 31 years) with neurofibrosarcoma were seen among 22 with von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis (NF-1) at the Department of Neurology, University of Berne, Switzerland. There was an average interval of 14 months between onset of symptoms and treatment. The first presenting sign was a rapidly enlarging mass or unusual persistent pain. The occurrence of either sign, in the known presence of NF-1, should lead to immediate neuroradiological investigation. The mean survival time of the three patients was 37 months. Only early diagnosis provides any chance of curative treatment.