The viruses promote malignant characteristics of cells by altering gene methylation, affecting gene expression and promoting or repressing cellular signal transduction pathways.
However, radiation is generally not used as a treatment for plexiform neurofibromas because of concerns that this could actually promote malignant transformation.
In 2 to 3% of cases, hydatidiform moles may develop into choriocarcinoma, which is a malignant, rapidly growing, and metastatic (spreading) form of cancer.
