MEN2B is a genetic disorder in which long-bones and nerve cells grow excessively. Without treatment, 100% of people develop thyroid cancer and 50% additionally develop tumor(s) in the adrenal glands. Statistically, a parent with the disease will pass it to half of his or her children.

About one person in a million has MEN2B. Very few doctors have seen a case.

Lincoln had all the essential features of MEN2B:

MEN2B feature	Abraham Lincoln
"Marfanoid" body shape	Tall. Long limbs. Small, thin head.
Large, bumpy lips	Large lower lip. Bumps on lower and upper lips.
Intestinal symptoms	Constipated.
Cancer	Emaciated by the end of his life.
Dominant genetics	Mother with same body build. Three sons with large, bumpy lips.
Muscular involvement	Multiple signs of low muscle tone.

The Physical Lincoln discusses each of these topics (and more) in detail, reviewing evidence for and against the MEN2B theory, including the greatest challenge to the diagnosis: Lincoln's longevity.

Most importantly, however, the book contributes an enormous amount of new material to the study of the physical Lincoln, extracted from original sources.