Neurofibromatosis. Elderly man's body affected by the inherited disorder neurofibromatosis. This condition is also known as Recklinghausen's disease. Here, the fully-fledged disease of long duration shows widespread neurofibromas on the head, back and arms. A neurofibroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumour, soft and fibrous, which grows from a nerve. The swellings may be tiny or as large as several centimetres in diameter. The disorder may also produce cafe au lait spots (pale coffee-coloured patches) on the skin. Neurofibro- matosis, although unsightly, is normally without other symptoms. Persons with this disorder should seek genetic counselling before planning a child.