What is MEN?

Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are inherited disorders that affect the endocrine system. There are several types of MEN syndrome and each type may cause different conditions or cancers.

What is Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1? 

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Type-1 is an inherited disorder that causes tumors in the endocrine glands and the duodenum, the first part of the small intestine. MEN1 is sometimes called multiple endocrine adenomatosis or Wermer’s syndrome, after one of the first doctors to recognize it. MEN1 is rare; occurring in about one in 30,000 people. The disorder affects both sexes equally and shows no geographical, racial, or ethnic preferences.

Endocrine glands release hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are powerful chemicals that travel through the blood, controlling and instructing the functions of various organs. Normally, the hormones released by endocrine glands are carefully balanced to meet the body’s needs. In MEN1, the overactive glands may include the parathyroids, pancreas, or pituitary. 

In people with MEN1, multiple endocrine glands form tumors and become hormonally overactive, often at the same time. The overactive glands may include the parathyroids, pancreas, or pituitary. Most people who develop overactivity of only one endocrine gland do not have MEN1.

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