Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2

Disease Overview

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is an inherited disorder in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive or form a tumor. Endocrine glands most commonly involved include:[2505]

• Adrenal (about half the time)
• Parathyroid (20% of the time)
• Thyroid (almost all of the time)

MEN2 is caused by a defect in the RET gene.[2505][2506] This defect causes many tumors to appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The adrenal tumor is called a pheochromocytoma, and the thyroid tumor is a medullary carcinoma of the thyroid.[2505] The condition is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern.[2506]

MEN2 is divided into three subtypes: type 2A, type 2B, and familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC). These subtypes differ in their characteristic signs and symptoms and risk of specific tumors. The features of this disorder are relatively consistent within any one family.[2506]

Synonyms

• MEN2