There are two main growths common to MEN2b. These occur in the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck, and sometimes in the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. The growth in the thyroid gland is always cancerous (medullary thyroid cancer or MTC) and is more aggressive in MEN2b than in the other types of MEN2. 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 necessary as early as possible in childhood for the medullary thyroid cancer.

Click a gland to learn more

• AMEND-produced detailed MEN2b Patient Information Book (we recommend that you discuss the contents of this book with your specialist - it is not for use in self-diagnosis, and not all of the information it contains may be relevant to you)

Information input date: December 2005

Last review date: August 2010

Next review date: August 2011

All information written with the help of the AMEND Medical Advisory Team