Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndrome
Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are inherited disorders that affect the endocrine system. There are several types of MEN syndromes and each type may cause different conditions or cancers. MEN1 syndrome usually causes tumors in the parathyroid gland, pituitary gland, or islet cells of the pancreas. MEN2A syndrome may cause medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, or parathyroid gland disease. MEN2B syndrome causes several conditions. Children with MEN2A syndrome, MEN2B syndrome, or FMTC may need genetic testing. Tests used to diagnose and stage cancers related to MEN syndromes depend on the signs and symptoms and the patient's family history. If cancer, such as medullary thyroid cancer, has formed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to nearby areas or to other parts of the body. There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body. Cancer may spread from where it began to other parts of the body.