Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Introduction
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I is a disease passed down through families, in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive or form a tumor. Endocrine glands most commonly involved include pancreas, parathyroid and pituitary.
What are the symptoms of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1?
- Visual disturbance
- Headache
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Confusion
- Anorexia
What causes multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1?
- MEN1 is an inherited disorder that causes tumors in the endocrine glands and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. Genetic mutations is speculated to be the cause of the disease.
Who is at highest risk?
- Age <40 years
- Positive family history
- Multifocal or recurrent neoplasia
- Two or more organ systems tumor involvement
Diagnosis
- MEN1 is detected by gene testing or, when gene testing is unavailable or yields a negative result, by laboratory tests that measure hormone levels. Less often, MEN1 is diagnosed based on an individual’s medical and family history.
When to seek urgent medical care?
- Seek urgent medical care if there are symptoms of MEN 1 or its complications.
Treatment options
- MEN1 cannot be cured, but regular testing can detect the problems caused by MEN1 tumors many years before serious complications develop.
- Surgery is indicated for pancreatic tumors.
Where to find medical care for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Prevention
- Screening people with family history of MEN 1 is recommended.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Most people with MEN1 have a long and productive life.
- Most of the tumors are benign while some pancreatic tumors may become cancerous and lower life expectancy.
Possible complications
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Galactorrhea
- Infertility
- Impotency
Sources
Want to know more?
A more detailed clinical article for the same condition is available from WikiDoc. It is written for medical professionals and uses technical language.