title: Diffuse plexiform neurofibroma of the back: report of a case.
abstract: Neurofibromatosis type 1 is an autosomal dominant disorder affecting the ras proto-oncogene. It is characterized by the overgrowth of nervous tissue and skin discoloration. While it is associated with a variety of phenotypic presentations, it is the plexiform variant that is particular concerning, as it can become extremely disfiguring and has a propensity for malignant degeneration. A case of a Pacific Islander with a large plexiform type 1 neurofibroma is presented. The patient was ultimately treated with surgical resection, negative pressure wound therapy, and split-thickness skin grafting with good results. A review of the literature concerning the diagnosis and treatment of neurofibromatosis is included.
authors.affiliation: Tripler Army Medical Center, Honolulu, HI 96859, USA.
authors.forename: Ezella N
authors.initials: EN
authors.lastname: Washington
authors.forename: Timothy P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Placket
authors.forename: Ronald A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Gagliano
authors.forename: Jeffery
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kavolius
authors.forename: Donald A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Person
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D018318:Neurofibroma, Plexiform / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D009456:Neurofibromatosis 1 / Q000601:surgery*; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery