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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II

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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.

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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.

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