hormonal and metabolic disorders
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes (MEN)
Introduction
Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes are rare, inherited disorders in which several Endocrine Glands develop noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant) tumors or grow excessively without forming tumors. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes are caused by gene mutations, so they tend to run in families. There are several types of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes, including MEN type 1 (MEN 1), MEN type 2A (MEN 2A), MEN type 2B (MEN 2B), and MEN type 4 (MEN 4). Symptoms vary depending on which glands are affected. Genetic screening tests can be done to confirm a diagnosis and identify which family members have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes. No cure is available, but doctors treat the changes in each gland as they occur with surgery or with medications to control excess hormone production. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes can appear in infants or in people throughout life. These syndromes are usually inherited. The tumors and the abnormally large glands often produce excess hormones. Although tumors or abnormal growth may occur in more than one gland at the same time, changes often take place over time. Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes are caused by genetic mutations, which are usually inherited from a parent. A single gene responsible for MEN 1 has been identified. Abnormalities in a different gene have been identified in people with MEN 2A and MEN 2B , and a third gene is responsible for MEN 4. 