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Alternative names Return to top
Wermer's syndromeDefinition Return to top
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) I is a hereditary disorder in which one or more of the following glands develop excess normal tissue (hyperplasia) or adenoma (tumor): the parathyroid, the pancreas, the pituitary, and rarely, the adrenals and thyroid gland.
These are all endocrine glands, which produce and secrete hormones into the blood or lymph systems.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
The cause of MEN I is genetic. Tumors of various glands appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The disorder is inherited, may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally.
Most people affected with this syndrome seek medical treatment because of one of the following: peptic ulcer disease, symptoms related to low blood sugar, symptoms related to high serum calcium levels or kidney stones, or symptoms related to pituitary problems such as headache.
Risk factors are a family history of this disorder, a previous pituitary tumor, and a history of Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Symptoms Return to top
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person and may be related to peptic ulcer disease, hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia, or pituitary dysfunction.Signs and tests Return to top
Diagnostic tests are used to evaluate the function of each endocrine gland.Treatment Return to top
Surgical removal of the affected gland is the treatment of choice, although therapy with a medication called bromocriptine can also be used for pituitary tumors which secrete prolactin. Hormonal replacement therapy is indicated when glands are removed or secretion is inadequate.Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Pituitary and parathyroid tumors are usually benign, but some tumors may become malignant (cancerous), accounting for overall decreased life expectancy. The symptoms of peptic ulcer disease, hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia, or pituitary dysfunction should respond to treatment.Complications Return to top
Recurrent tumors may develop.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider you notice symptoms of MEN I.Prevention Return to top
Screening of close relatives of people affected with this disorder is recommended. 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 |