Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) II

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Endocrine glands

Sipple's syndrome

Surgery is needed to remove both the medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and the pheochromocytoma. For medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, the thyroid gland and surrounding lymph nodes must be totally removed. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy is given after surgery.

Surgery to remove the thyroid before it becomes cancerous is often being performed at an early age (before age 5) in people with known MEN IIa, and before age 6 months in people with MEN IIb.

Family members should be screened for the RET gene mutation.

Pheochromocytoma is usually not cancerous (benign). Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid is a very aggressive and potentially fatal cancer. However, early diagnosis and surgery can often lead to a cure.

The spread of cancerous cells is a complication.

Call your health care provider if you notice symptoms of MEN II.

Review Date: 09/04/2008
Reviewed By: 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.

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