Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes

Encyclopedia of Medicine, Apr 06, 2001 by G. Victor Leipzig

Even when surgery is performed early, metastatic spread of the cancer may have already occurred. Since this cancer is slow growing, metastasis may not be obvious. Metastasis is very serious in MTC because chemotherapy and radiation therapy are not effective in controlling its spread.

Diagnosed early, the prognosis for the MEN diseases is reasonably good, even for MEN2B, the most dangerous of the three forms. Even in the absence of treatment, a few individuals with MEN2A mutations will never show any symptoms at all. Analysis of at-risk family members using molecular genetic techniques will lead to earlier treatment and improved outcomes.

One of the most serious consequences of MEN is MTC, which can be prevented by thyroidectomy. There is no preventive measure to block the occurrence of genetic mutations such as those that cause MEN.

• Periodicals
• Gardner, David G. "Recent Advances in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndromes." Advances in Internal Medicine (1997): 597-625.
• Moley, Jeffrey F. "The Molecular Genetics of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2A and Related Syndromes." Annual Review of Medicine 48(1997): 409-420. Organizations
• Canadian MEN Society. P.O. Box 100, Meola, Saskatchewan SOM 1XO. (306) 892-2080.