What is multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2?
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a hereditary condition associated primarily with medullary thyroid carcinoma, a specific type of thyroid cancer. MEN2 is classified into three subtypes based on symptoms. • Familial medullary thyroid carcinoma (FMTC), which affects 5% to 35% of MEN2 families • Medullary thyroid carcinoma only • MEN2A, which affects 60% to 90% of MEN2 families • Medullary thyroid carcinoma • Pheochromocytoma (a typically [benign] noncancerous tumor of the adrenal glands) • Parathyroid adenoma (benign tumor) or hyperplasia (increased size) of the parathyroid gland • MEN2B, which affects 5% of MEN2 families • Medullary thyroid carcinoma • Pheochromocytoma • Mucosal neuroma (benign tumor of nerve tissue on the tongue and lips) • Digestive problems • Muscle, joint, and spinal problems • Typical facial features, including swollen lips and thick eyelids What causes MEN2? MEN2 is a genetic condition. This means that the cancer risk and other features of MEN2 can be
