What is Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN)
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) Is a group of inherited disorders that affect the endocrine glands, which are the glands that produce hormones. There are several types of MEN, but the most common are MEN type 1 and MEN type 2.
MEN type 1 is caused by a mutation in the MEN1 gene. This disease affects the parathyroid, pancreas, and pituitary glands.
Symptoms
Symptoms of MEN type 1 include hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), pancreatic tumors, and pituitary tumors. These tumors can cause symptoms such as:
- Kidney stones
- Bone thinning
- Nausea and vomiting
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Bone pain
- Abdominal pain
- Unintentional weight loss
MEN type 2 is caused by a mutation in the RET gene. This disorder affects the parathyroid, thyroid, and adrenal glands. Symptoms of MEN type 2 include hyperparathyroidism, medullary thyroid cancer, and pheochromocytoma (tumors of the adrenal gland). These tumors can cause symptoms such as:
- Lumps in the neck
- Trouble breathing
- Hoarse voice
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Difficulty swallowing
- Headaches
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
Other types of MEN include MEN type 3, which affects the pituitary, parathyroid, and enteropancreatic endocrine cells, and MEN type 4, which affects the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Diagnosis
MEN is typically made through a combination of genetic testing, imaging tests, and hormone level tests.
Blood tests may be needed to check for the level of calcium and hormones in the blood. Urine tests may be needed to also look for hormone levels.
Imaging tests such as CT or MRI can look for the presence of any tumors or other abnormalities.
Treatment for MEN depends on the type and severity of the disorder, as well as the symptoms that are present. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors, radiation therapy, and hormone replacement therapy.
