Although the two afflictions are often confused. Elephant Man's Disease, or Proteus Syndrome, affects the body through abnormal growths and abnormalities involving the skin, face, eyes, ears, lungs, muscles and nerves. There is no evidence that Proteus Syndrome can be transmitted genetically. Worldwide, there are about 50 reported cases. Many people with neurofibromatosis object when the term Elephant Man's Disease is applied to them.
Treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms.
Surgery can remove painful or disfiguring tumors. However, there is a chance that the tumors could grow back and in greater numbers. In rare instances, the tumors become malignant, and treatment could include radiation and chemotherapy. Prenatal diagnosis is possible through amniocentesis. But genetic tests can't predict whether an individual will develop neurofibromatosis if there is no family history of it.