David Paul von Hansemann

Who was David Paul von Hansemann?

David Paul von Hansemann was a German pathologist born in Eupen. He is remembered for his work in the field of oncology, in particular his concept involving anaplasia of cancer cells.

He studied medicine at the Universities of Berlin, Kiel and Leipzig, and following graduation spent nine years as an assistant to Rudolf Virchow in Berlin. In 1890 he became habilitated in pathological anatomy, and in 1897 obtained the title of professor. In 1907 he began work as a prosector at Friedrichshain city hospital. During World War I he served as an army pathologist.

His name is associated with "Hansemann macrophages", which are large mononuclear cells containing Michaelis-Gutmann bodies that affect the urinary tract or kidney.