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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndromes are inherited disorders – This means that they can be passed down in families. MEN disorders cause more than one gland of the body’s endocrine (gland) system to develop growths. The affected glands then produce abnormally increased amounts of hormones, the body’s chemical messengers, which in turn cause a variety of different symptoms. Each growth may occur alone or independently of MEN. |
 
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A diagnosis of MEN is made when either:
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A patient has 2 or more growths common to MEN
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A patient has only one growth, but there is a family history of MEN
A patient may have the faulty gene that causes MEN,
but not yet have developed any of the growths.
This patient may be called an “MEN carrier” and
should be offered regular tests and
follow-up appointments at an Endocrine Clinic in
the same way as a patient who already has MEN
growths. |
Information input date: December 2005
Last review date: March 2006
Next review date: September 2006 |
