What is multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)?
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) is a rare hereditary cancer syndrome, affecting approximately 1 in 30,000 people. It is associated with the development of: • Medullary cancer of the thyroid (MTC) • Pheochromocytoma (a tumor of the adrenal gland and neuroendocrine tissues) • Other abnormal growths of endocrine tissues Most individuals are diagnosed with MEN2 because they or a close family member develops thyroid cancer. While thyroid cancer is relatively common in adults, medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), one subtype of thyroid cancer, is rare and suggests a diagnosis of MEN2. About 25-30% of people with MTC are diagnosed with MEN2 based on confirmatory genetic testing results. The true prevalence of the condition is likely underestimated because the disease may go unrecognized in certain individuals. It is important to identify this hereditary cancer syndrome early as it often confers a high risk of tumors, which may occur at younger than expected ages.
