Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Type 2B (MEN 2B)

Symptoms and signs reflect the glandular abnormalities present (see table ). About 50% of patients have the complete syndrome with mucosal neuromas, pheochromocytomas Pheochromocytoma A pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of chromaffin cells typically located in the adrenals. It causes persistent or paroxysmal hypertension. Diagnosis is by measuring catecholamine... read more , and medullary thyroid carcinoma Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma There are 4 general types of thyroid cancer. Most thyroid cancers manifest as asymptomatic nodules. Rarely, lymph node, lung, or bone metastases cause the presenting symptoms of small thyroid... read more . Fewer than 10% have neuromas and pheochromocytomas alone, whereas the remaining patients have neuromas and medullary thyroid carcinoma without pheochromocytoma.

Often, mucosal neuromas are the earliest sign, and they occur in most or all patients. Neuromas appear as small glistening bumps on the lips, tongue, and buccal mucosae.

The eyelids, conjunctivae, and corneas also commonly develop neuromas; infants are often unable to make tears. Thickened eyelids and everted, diffusely hypertrophied lips are characteristic.

Gastrointestinal abnormalities related to altered motility (constipation, diarrhea, and, occasionally, megacolon) are common and thought to result from diffuse intestinal ganglioneuromatosis.

Patients almost always have a marfanoid habitus Symptoms and Signs Marfan syndrome consists of connective tissue anomalies resulting in ocular, skeletal, and cardiovascular abnormalities (eg, dilation of ascending aorta, which can lead to aortic dissection)... read more . Skeletal abnormalities are common, including deformities of the spine (lordosis, kyphosis, scoliosis), slipped capital femoral epiphyses, dolichocephaly (hull-shaped skull, also called scaphocephaly), pes cavus, and talipes equinovarus.

Medullary thyroid carcinoma and pheochromocytoma resemble the corresponding disorders in MEN 2A syndrome Symptoms and Signs Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma, parathyroid hyperplasia or adenomas (causing... read more ; both tend to be bilateral and multicentric. Medullary thyroid carcinoma, however, tends to be particularly aggressive in MEN 2B and may be present in very young children.

Although the neuromas, facial characteristics, and gastrointestinal disorders are present at an early age, the syndrome may not be recognized until medullary thyroid carcinoma or pheochromocytoma manifests in later life.

MEN 2B is suspected in patients with a family history of MEN 2B, pheochromocytoma, multiple mucosal neuromas, or medullary thyroid carcinoma. Genetic testing is highly accurate and is done to confirm the disorder. Genetic testing Genetic screening Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2A (MEN 2A) is an autosomal dominant syndrome characterized by medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, pheochromocytoma, parathyroid hyperplasia or adenomas (causing... read more also is done to screen 1st-degree relatives and any symptomatic family members of patients with MEN 2B, as in MEN 2A.

Pheochromocytoma Diagnosis A pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-secreting tumor of chromaffin cells typically located in the adrenals. It causes persistent or paroxysmal hypertension. Diagnosis is by measuring catecholamine... read more may be suspected clinically and is confirmed by measuring plasma free metanephrines and urinary catecholamines.

Laboratory testing for medullary thyroid carcinoma Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma with serum calcitonin measurements should be done.

MRI or CT is used to search for pheochromocytomas and medullary thyroid carcinoma.

Affected patients should have total thyroidectomy as soon as the diagnosis is established. Pheochromocytoma, if present, should be removed before thyroidectomy is done.

Gene carriers should undergo prophylactic thyroidectomy before age 1 year.