Neurofibromatosis

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes describes neurofibromatosis as:

Genetic disorders of the nervous system that primarily affect the development and growth of neural (nerve) cell tissues. These disorders cause tumors to grow on nerves and produce other abnormalities such as skin changes and bone deformities. Although many affected persons inherit the disorder, between 30 and 50 percent of new cases arise spontaneously through mutation (change) in an individual's genes. Once this change has taken place, the mutant gene can be passed on to succeeding generations.

Further Information

Find out more about neurofibromatosis from the Mayo Clinic.