Genetic counseling may be advised for people with neurofibromatosis-1 . There may be signs of NF1 . A head CT scan or MRI of the head confirms the diagnosis and the exact location of the tumor . A cerebral angiography is not often necessary, but if used, it shows a space-occupying mass which is not vascular. An examination of tissue removed from the tumor during surgery or CT scan-guided biopsy is used to confirm the exact type of tumor.
Treatment varies with the size of the tumor and the general health of the person.
Treatment goals may be cure of the disorder, relief of symptoms, improvement of functioning, or comfort. Partial resection to remove some of the bulk of the tumor is feasible for many cases, which will reduce pressure-induced damage from the tumor. Radiation therapy may be advised in some cases. In some cases it may be delayed because of the slow growth that this tumor typically displays. Corticosteroids may be prescribed to reduce swelling and inflammation during radiation therapy, or when symptoms recur.