Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II Health Article

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Definition Alternative Names Causes, incidence, and risk factors Symptoms Signs and tests Treatment Expectations (prognosis) Complications Calling your health care provider Prevention References
Reviewer Info: Sean O. Stitham, MD, private practice in Internal Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and James R. Mason, MD, Oncologist, Director, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program and Stem Cell Processing Lab, Scripps Clinic, Torrey Pines, California. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 09/04/2008
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Definition

Multiple endocrine neoplasia II (MEN II) is an uncommon condition passed down through families (inherited), in which the thyroid, adrenal, and parathyroid glands are overactive.

See also: MEN I

Alternative Names

Sipple's syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of MEN II is a defect in a gene called RET. This defect causes many tumors to appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The adrenal tumor is called a pheochromocytoma, and the thyroid tumor is a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.

The disorder may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally. The main risk factor is a family history of MEN II.

There are two similar subtypes of MEN II -- MEN IIa and IIb. MEN IIb is less common.

Symptoms

The symptoms may vary. However, they are similar to those of:

Signs and tests

To diagnose this condition, the health care provider looks for a mutation in the RET gene. This can be done with a blood test.

A physical examination may reveal:

Diagnostic tests are used to evaluate the function of each endocrine gland. The following tests may be performed:

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Endocrine glands
Endocrine glands

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