Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2 (MEN2) is the name for 3 classes of a condition. These are closely associated with of a type of cancer known as medullary thyroid cancer.

Medullary thyroid cancer is rare and sometimes spreads to the lymph nodes, lungs, or liver.

MEN2A is a class of MEN2 that involves a type of thyroid tumor known as pheochromocytoma. This tumor affects your adrenal glands. They produce hormones (such as adrenaline) that increase alertness, strength, and speed in an emergency. A pheochromocytoma causes overproduction of those “fight or flight” hormones.

People diagnosed with MEN2A have developed the pheochromocytoma tumor during adulthood. This condition often causes an additional condition, hyperparathyroidism, which is overproduction of the parathyroid hormone. Hyperparathyroidism results in too much calcium in the bloodstream, often leading to kidney stones and weak, brittle bones.

For more information:

National Cancer Institute
American Society of Clinical Oncology
 

National Cancer Institute

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Symptoms of MEN2A include:

• High levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia)
• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Muscle weakness
• Pain in the bones
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Difficulty sleeping
• Fatigue
• Nervousness
• Stomach ulcers
• A painless lump in the neck
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing

Treatment may include tumor-removal surgery or medication to control symptoms. Preventive removal of the thyroid may be recommended for an at-risk child.

A family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia puts you at risk for inheriting the disease. Genetic testing can determine whether a person has inherited genes for MEN2.