neurofibromatosis

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neurofibromatosis (newr-oh-fy-broh-mă-toh-sis) n. an autosomal dominant condition characterized by multiple benign tumours growing from peripheral nerves. n. type I (von Recklinghausen's disease) a form of neurofibromatosis in which numerous neurofibromas can be felt beneath the skin along the course of the nerve; they may become large, causing disfigurement, and are commonly associated with café au lait spots. n. type II a form of neurofibromatosis characterized by vestibular schwannomas (acoustic neuromas) arising on both vestibular nerves (causing hearing loss) and meningiomas.

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