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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia
Definition 1
An autosomal dominant inherited neoplastic syndrome characterized by the development of various endocrine neoplasms and abnormalities in various anatomic sites. There are three types recognized: type 1 (MEN 1), caused by inactivation of the tumor suppressor gene MEN-1, type 2A (MEN 2A), caused by mutation of the RET gene, and type 2B (MEN 2B) also caused by mutation of the RET gene. Patients with MEN 1 may develop hyperparathyroidism and parathyroid gland adenomas, pituitary gland adenomas, pancreatic islet cell neoplasms, and carcinoid tumors. Patients with MEN 2A develop medullary thyroid carcinomas, and may also develop pheochromocytomas and parathyroid gland hyperplasia. Patients with MEN 2B develop medullary thyroid carcinomas and numerous neural defects including neuromas. (NCI Thesaurus)
Definition 2
An inherited condition that may result in the development of cancers of the endocrine system. There are several types of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome, and patients with each type may develop different types of cancer. The altered genes that cause each type can be detected with a blood test. (NCI Dictionary)
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