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Overview of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasias(Familial Endocrine Adenomatosis; Multiple Endocrine Adenomatosis)

The multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes comprise 3 genetically distinct familial diseases involving adenomatous hyperplasia and malignant tumors in several endocrine glands. Clinical features depend on the glandular elements involved.

Each syndrome is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait with a high degree of penetrance, variable expressivity, and production of seemingly unrelated effects by a single mutant gene. The specific mutation is not always known.

Symptoms and signs develop at any age. Proper management includes early identification of affected individuals within a kindred and surgical removal of the tumors when possible. Although these syndromes are generally considered clinically distinct, significant overlap exists (see Table 1: Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes: Conditions Associated With MEN SyndromesTables).

Table 1

Conditions Associated With MEN Syndromes

Condition

MEN 1

MEN 2A

MEN 2B

Parathyroid adenomas

90%

10–20%

Enteropancreatic tumors

60–70%

Pituitary adenomas

15–42%

Medullary thyroid carcinoma

> 90%

> 90%

Pheochromocytomas

50%

60%

Mucosal neuromas

≈ 100%

Marfanoid habitus

≈ 100%

MEN = multiple endocrine neoplasia.

Last full review/revision June 2008 by Patricia A. Daly, MD; Lewis Landsberg, MD

Content last modified June 2008

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