Neurofibromatosis

Neurofibromatosis is when tumors grow at the end of a person's nerves. These tumors may be benign or malignant, but they may cause unsightly growths or physically hinder a person. An estimated 100,000 Americans have a neurofibromatosis.

Dr. Weinberg offers a new treatment method. Called Electro-desiccation, the doctor treats large clusters, made up of hundreds of neurofibromas, in one sitting as opposed to having each neurofibroma removed with a scalpel. “That is the great benefit of doing it in this manner as opposed to surgically excising each and every lesion with a scalpel.” Dr. Weinberg said.

In Electro-desiccation, an electrical current is used to desiccate or dry out and kill the neurofibroma tissue. We use a cautery type knife with a thin point and run a current through the neurofibroma, drying it out and killing it. This technique is less invasive than the traditional surgical removal methods.

The electro-desiccation procedure is usually done on an outpatient or ambulatory basis. It is often performed in an hour or two. A local anesthetic can be used when removing cluster of tumors from a small area of the body, but a general anesthetic is needed for removals over a larger area of skin. The surgery is usually painless and because of the newer anesthesia the patient generally goes home within one or two hours. “Very few patients actually require postoperative analgesic or pain medication. It typically does not hurt, but may itch so we will use Benadryl or some other medication for that,” Dr. Weinberg said.

There are insurance issues involved with this procedure. There is a need to make sure that the insurance company does not assume that the procedure is cosmetic. “They [neurofibromas] are associated with pain and discomfort, and they have a certain malignant potential. They can get larger, they are disfiguring”, Dr. Weinberg said. “I think that has to be clear with the patient and the surgeon that this is not cosmetic surgery and should not fall in the realm of cosmetic surgery not covered by insurance.” There are specific codes that the surgeon must use to have the procedure qualify for coverage. Patients should make sure that their doctor uses these codes when submitting paperwork to the patient’s insurance company. You can use the form to your right to contact us if you have any questions!

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