This disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion.
NF2 is caused by a mutation in the NF2 gene, located on chromosome 22q12.
The most characteristic manifestation of the disease is the development of symmetric cranial nerve VIII tumors called vestibular schwannomas, also known as acoustic neuromas. These present with the progressive loss of hearing and balance.
Meningiomas are brain tumors that arise from the meninges. They are typically benign but have a higher incidence of malignant transformation in NF2 patients. Their presentation depends on their location as they can occur in a wide variety of places within the brain and throughout the central nervous system.
Ependymoma is a tumor that arises from the ependymal cells in the brain. It presents most often in the 4th ventricle in children and spinal canal in adults with symptoms related to hydrocephalus such as nausea and vomiting.
Cafe au lait spots are hyperpigmented macules seen in NF2 and various other genetic syndromes including neurofibromatosis type 1. People with NF2 usually have fewer café au lait spots than people with NF1.
Clouding of the lens of the eye that commonly occurs in neurofibromatosis type II.
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