[Otorhinolaryngological neurofibromatosis].

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the growth characteristic, clinical manifestation, diagnosis and treatment of neurofibromatosis (NF) in otorhinolaryngology.

METHODS

Eleven cases of NF from 1989 to 2000 were analyzed retrospectively, among which, there were 5 and 2 cases occurring in nasal cavity and parapharynx (NF I), respectively, and 4 bilateral acoustic neuromas (NF II).

RESULTS

NF I and NF II had long courses of 2-30 years, with common clinical features and unique characteristics. All patients with NF were operated on under general anesthesia. The NFs in the nasal cavity and sinus were resected through the paranasal approach and parapharyngeal NF through the lateral cervical approach. Unilateral acoustic neuromas were removed via the sigmoid sinus posterior suboccipital approach, one case bilateral acoustic neuromas was operated on in 2 stages. No death happened in this series.

CONCLUSION

Surgical treatment is the best way for the treatment of NF. Radiotherapy can be considered in case of NF I with an extensive invasion, obscure border and recurrence.