There are three types of growth that can occur in MEN2a. These occur in the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck, the parathyroid glands that lie close to or within the thyroid, and in the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. Although most of the growths are benign (not cancer), the growth in the thyroid gland is always cancerous (medullary thyroid cancer or MTC). Each type of growth may occur alone and independently of MEN.

Blood and urine tests for hormone levels as well as scans of the neck and abdominal area are all used to check for growths. If a growth is found an operation may be needed to remove either just the growth itself or the whole of the affected gland. This is sometimes necessary in early childhood.

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Information input date: December 2005

Last review date: October 2006

Next review date: March 2007