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A type of tumor that grows on nerve tissue is known as a neurofibromas. NF1 is a congenital form of neurofibromas and is regarded as the most common type. Numerous health complications can arise from NF1, including curvature of the spine, impaired eyesight and learning difficulties. It is for this reason that children with NF1 should attend yearly evaluations to identify any new neurofibromas forming or associated complications.

Plexiform Neurofibromas Treatment

Plexiform neurofibromas is typically diagnosed in childhood due to the presence of light brown patches that give rise to concern. Freckles around the groin or under the armpits are also signs that your pediatrician may pick up on during wellness visits. As plexiform neurofibromas tumors can grow on nerve tissue, there is the potential for progressive health issues to develop as your child gets older. In many cases, an MRI is used to determine the size of tumors and how they are impacting on surrounding nerve tissue, organs or bone.

Larger tumors are likely to cause disfiguration if allowed to grow unchecked. There is also a risk of benign tumors becoming malignant. The preferred treatment path for children with plexiform neurofibromas is removing the tumors. However, surgery is further complicated by the proximity of tumors to nerve tissue. In cases where there exists a higher risk of nerve damage, partial removal of tumors may still be an option. Dr. Greg Levitin will provide a full evaluation for all patients and provide suitable alternative treatment options when surgery is not a viable treatment.

Additional Plexiform Neurofibromas Treatments

Removing plexiform neurofibromas tumors are just one part of a larger treatment plan. Dr. Greg Levitin will provide recommendations to help you pursue treatment or help with other complications such as learning difficulties, ADHD diagnosis, loss of eyesight or spinal curvature. There is no known cure for plexiform neurofibromas, so a combination of treatments and support are designed to help your child manage any complications that arise from the disorder and improve quality of life.

The Vascular Birthmark Center provides a range of resources that are specifically designed to give our patients access to the services they need to manage every aspect of plexiform neurofibromas. Dr. Levitin encourages a culture of education and inquiry, whereby patients are welcome to ask questions and become empowered when it comes to managing any challenges they may face.

If your child has one or more symptoms of plexiform neurofibromas, but has never been diagnosed, you can arrange an evaluation at the Vascular Birthmark Center with Dr. Greg Levitin. We can help guide you to choose the right approach to treatment for your child as part of an open and positive discussion at our offices.

Contact the Vascular Birthmark Center today if you would like to learn more about plexiform neurofibromas and what it means for your child.

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The Vascular Birthmark Center: Gregory M. Levitin, MD

4.8 / 5.0

Based on 27 reviews

Abril M.

Dr. Levitin is very knowledgeable, compassionate and professional. Five years ago, I needed to find information about a birth mark that my newborn daughter started to grow a couple days after birth. I was afraid, I did not feel like I got any clear information about it through my insurance; also, they did not offer any course of treatment for it. I started to look for information, the birthmark was growing each day, information was scarce and I just got more scared. Finally, I found a video in Youtube from a grandmother who was very grateful after finding treatment for her grand daughter through The Birthmark Foundation. It was a huge blessing to me and my family. I found Dr. Levitin, I contacted him thinking he probably would not even answer. I was wrong, he kindly answered promptly, got in touch with me and soon he had a plan : ) I went to see him at the Birthmark Center in Los Angeles. He explained everything in a way that it was so clear to understand, no question I made was insignificant and his answers were each very informative. I really never have had an experience with a doctor who explains and speaks in such a way. I left his office knowing that my daughter was in the best hands and the best care. I first thank God for the Birthmark Foundation, a great organization with the highest quality of doctors. Also, a very special thanks to Dr. Levitin for all his help and kindness, for listening to my concerns and answering each and every question. And last, but no least, to the Birthmark Foundation Center in Los Angeles : ) I hope many children can find help/care in this place as I found it for my daughter. Thank you forever.

Ryan E.

I will be telling tales of the good doctors compassion till time comes to an end. Because of Dr Levitin, I have more confidence in my every day life. He was fast, knowledgeable, precise and all with a disarming sense of humor. Two thumbs up!

Carla M.

I wanted to show you how much better Hailey's tongue looks and let you know her speech has already improved so much!!! Her speech teacher is thrilled!!!! Thank you so much for everything you did for her. You are an excellent surgeon with a great bedside manner- we are forever grateful to you!!! We are so appreciative!

Danielle L.

we are forever grateful for Dr. Levitin. My daughter Lena had surgery to remove her hemangioma that was located on her forehead at just 6 month old. she healed beautifully and we couldn't be happier with how minimal her scar is, even almost 4.5 years later. Dr. Levitin is caring, compassionate, and such a great doctor/surgeon overall. He had our daughter's best interest and I knew she was in good hands. I highly recommend him any chance I get!

Chris

My name is Chris and I was recently treated for an AVM on my forehead by Dr. Gregory Levitin of New York (New York Eye and Ear Infirmary). Thankfully, I live within a few hours of NYC. In brief, I would like to say that Dr. Levitin is very capable doctor with a lot of experience with AVMs. He responds quickly to e-mail, texts, and phone calls. He accepts insurance. He takes a "team approach" and will be your "QB" and involve other specialists as necessary. In my particular case they were Dr. Raj Shrivastava (Mt Sinai) and Dr. Raphael A. Ortiz (Lenox Hill) in NY. I recommend contacting Dr Levitin for a consultation if you suspect you have an AVM. All 3 Drs are just good people. When I spoke to them, they treated me like like an equal. I felt like they were advising me as a close friend or family member. Like many that suffer with AVMs I was at first mis-diagnosed. What was thought to be a just a simple cyst turned out to be an AVM. Surgery to remove the cyst made the AVM about 5x bigger. My treatment entailed a few MRIs and CAT scans to determine what was going on and the treatment plan. This was followed by consultation with the 3 Drs mentioned above and finally a 2-day procedure. On day 1 Dr Ortiz embolized the AVM. On day 2 Dr Levitin and Dr Shrivastava removed the AVM from my skull and put some metal mesh there to fill the "hole". It has been 6-months since the surgery and so far I have not had any recurrence. In honor of Vascular Birthmark Awareness Day and to thank these Drs for all they have done for me, I just want to give everyone a solid reference. Finding the right doctor for this type of stuff makes all the difference.

Valle S.

I just discovered this page i have also a birthmark I always experiences bully because of this. I don't know what kind of birthmark is this if it is harmful ? I hope Dr. Levitin notice this message in this way I think he can help me :) :) #DrLevitin

Alicia M.

This year marks the 10th that I contacted VBF for help. Since then I have been under the care of Dr. G Levitin and Dr. R. Ortiz, they are my guardian healing angels! Thanks VBF for not only helping me but also for letting me be a volunteer in the foundation whenever I am needed. A Big Hug to all from MIAMI... Alicia

Alexander G.

Totally positive experience. Dr. Levitin is a great professional. He has diagnosed and treated my nose breathing problem, significantly improving my quality of life. Office staff is very professional. Appointments always kept on time. Strongly recommend.