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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II Causes and Risks:
The cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia II (MEN II) is genetic, but the mechanism is unknown. Tumors of various glands appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The disorder may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally. The adrenal tumor is a pheochromocytoma and the thyroid tumor is a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid . Risk factors are a family history of MEN II. The incidence is 3 out of 100,000 people.
Prevention:
Screening of close relatives of a person with MEN II may lead to early detection.
Symptoms:
Note: The symptoms may vary, but are consistent with those present with pheochromocytoma , medullary carcinoma of the thyroid , and sometimes hyperparathyroidism .
Signs and Tests:
Diagnostic tests are used to evaluate the function of each endocrine gland.
A physical examination reveals enlarged cervical lymph nodes. An examination of the thyroid reveals a single or multiple thyroid nodules. Vital signs (temperature, pulse , rate of breathing, blood pressure ) reveal high blood pressure , which may be sustained or episodic, rapid heart rate and elevated temperature .
These tests help confirm the diagnosis:
Treatment:
Surgical removal is indicated for both medullary carcinoma of the thyroid and for pheochromocytoma . Hormone replacement therapy is given after surgery.
Prognosis:
Pheochromocytoma is usually benign . People with metastatic medullary carcinoma of the thyroid have had prolonged survival.
Complications:
A complication is the metastasis of cancerous cells.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provide if you notice symptoms of MEN II.
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