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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) I

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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) I

Definition:

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) I is a hereditary disorder in which one or more of the following glands develop excess normal tissue (hyperplasia) or adenoma (tumor): the parathyroid, the pancreas, the pituitary, and (rarely) the adrenals and thyroid gland.

These are all endocrine glands, which produce and secrete hormones into the blood or lymph systems.

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Alternative Names:
Wermer's syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of MEN I is genetic. Tumors of various glands appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The disorder is inherited, may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally.

Most people affected with this syndrome seek medical treatment because of one of the following: peptic ulcer disease, symptoms related to low blood sugar, symptoms related to high serum calcium levels or kidney stones, or symptoms related to pituitary problems (such as headache).

Risk factors are a family history of this disorder, a previous pituitary tumor, and a history of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.

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