von Recklinghausen's disease
/ˈrɛklɪŋˌhaʊz(ə)nz
/noun [mass noun]
1A hereditary disease in which numerous benign tumours develop in various parts of the body, especially the skin and the fibrous sheaths of the nerves. It is a form of neurofibromatosis.Neurofibromatosis, or von Recklinghausen's disease, is a relatively common autosomal dominant genetic disorder in which affected individuals develop benign and malignant tumors at an increased frequency.
2A disease in which the bones are weakened as a result of excessive secretion of the parathyroid hormone, leading to bowing and fracture of long bones and sometimes deformities of the chest and spine. Also called osteitis fibrosa cystica.
Origin
Early 20th century: named after Friedrich von Recklinghausen (1833–1910), German pathologist.