Brain tumors occur often in kids with common genetic syndrome

Washington University School of Medicine • August 8, 2018June 28, 2022

Stephanie Morris, MD, examines Henry Shrinivas, 1. Both Henry and his sister Sophie, 2, have been diagnosed with neurofibromatosis (NF1), a common genetic syndrome. A new study shows that children with NF1 are much more likely to have brain tumors than previously thought.

The frequency of brain tumors has been underestimated in children with the common genetic syndrome neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), according to a new study. This disorder is characterized by birthmarks on the skin and benign nerve tumors that develop in or on the skin. Brain tumors also are known to occur in children and adults with NF1.