SYMPTOMATIC TUMORS AFFECTING THE URINARY-TRACT IN CHILDREN WITH NEUROFIBROMATOSIS

Purpose: We determined the need for urological screening in children w ith neurofibromatosis. Materials and Methods: Of 96 children with neur ofibromatosis treated at our institution 6 (6.2%) had a symptomatic tu mor that affected the urinary tract. Results: There were 5 plexiform n eurofibromas and 1 prostatic rhabdomyosarcoma. Five children had a pal pable abdominal mass and 3 required urinary diversion. Conclusions: Si nce most morbidity resulted because tumors were advanced by the time s ymptoms developed, we suggest that children with neurofibromatosis be screened annually with medical history, physical examination, urinalys is and serum chemistry studies for tumors that affect the urinary trac t.