Medical Health Encyclopedia

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Endocrine glands

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II

Definition:

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia II (MEN II) is a hereditary disorder in which a type of thyroid cancer accompanied by recurring cancer of the adrenal glands.

One type of this disease (MEN IIa) is also associated with overgrowth (hyperplasia) of the parathyroid gland.

Text Continues Below

---

Alternative Names:
Sipple's syndrome

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The cause of MEN II is genetic -- a mutation in a gene called RET. Multiple tumors may appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The adrenal tumor is 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.