Radiofrequency Ablation and Excision of Multiple Cutaneous Lesions in Neurofibromatosis Type 1

Background Von Recklinghausen disease or neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomaldominant genetic disorder of chromosome 17q11.2. The most common characteristic findingsof NF 1 include multiple and recurrent cutaneous neurofibromas associated with psychosocialdistress.Methods Sixteen patients (9 female, 7 male; average age, 31 years; range, 16 to 67 years) withmultiple cutaneous neurofibromas between March 2010 and February 2012 were includedin the study. All patients were treated with radiosurgical ablation and excision under generalanesthesia.Results All 16 patients were satisfied with the results, when questioned directly during theoutpatient department follow-up. The only complaint from a few patients was minimalscarring, but acceptable results were obtained in the end.Conclusions The radiofrequency procedure is almost bloodless and quick, creating a smallernecrotizing zone. Therefore, instead of employing the time consuming traditional surgery,such as laser therapy and electrosurgical excision, that produces uncertain results and canaffect normal adjacent tissue, treatment of neurofibromas with radiofrequency ablationand excision can be an alternative choice of treatment for patients with a large number ofneurofibromas.