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Alternative names Return to top
Sipple's syndromeDefinition Return to top
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia II (MEN II) is a hereditary disorder in which patients develop a type of thyroid cancer accompanied by recurring cancer of the adrenal glands.
One type of this disease (MEN IIa) is also associated with overgrowth (hyperplasia) of the parathyroid gland.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of MEN II is genetic -- a mutation in a gene called RET. Multiple tumors may appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The adrenal tumor is a pheochromocytoma and the thyroid tumor is a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.
The disorder may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally. The main risk factor is a family history of MEN II.
Symptoms Return to top
Note: The symptoms may vary, but are consistent with those of pheochromocytoma, medullary carcinoma of the thyroid, and sometimes hyperparathyroidism.
Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnosis depends on identification of mutation of the RET gene. This can be done with a blood test.
A physical examination may reveal enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid may reveal a single or multiple thyroid nodules. The patient may have high blood pressure (sustained or episodic), rapid heart rate and elevated temperature.
In MEN IIb, mucosal neuromas (benign tumors of the mucosa) may be present, as well as puffy lips and a prominent jaw.
Diagnostic tests are also used to evaluate the function of each endocrine gland. These tests help confirm the diagnosis:
Treatment Return to top
Surgery is needed to remove both the medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and the pheochromocytoma. Medullary carcinoma of the thyroid must be treated with total removal of the thyroid gland and removal of surrounding lymph nodes. Hormone replacement therapy is given after surgery.
Family members should be screened for the RET gene mutation.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Pheochromocytoma is usually benign (not cancer), but the accompanying medullary carcinoma of the thyroid that characterizes this condition is a very aggressive and potentially fatal cancer. Nonetheless, early diagnosis and surgery can often lead to cure.Complications Return to top
A complication is the metastasis of cancerous cells.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provide if you notice symptoms of MEN II.Prevention Return to top
Screening of close relatives of a person with MEN II may lead to early detection. Update Date: 5/2/2003 Updated by: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |