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Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A

Last edited: 4/14/2026

Overview

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) is characterized by the development of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism due to germline mutations in the RET proto-oncogene. 45

Diagnosis

  • Genetic Testing: Identification of RET proto-oncogene mutations is crucial for diagnosis. 4
  • Clinical Evaluation: Screening for symptoms of MTC, pheochromocytoma, and hyperparathyroidism.
  • Biochemical Markers: Elevated calcitonin levels for MTC, metanephrines for pheochromocytoma, and calcium/parathyroid hormone for hyperparathyroidism. 5
  • Imaging: Ultrasound, CT, MRI, and MIBG scans for localization of tumors. 5
  • Histological Confirmation: Biopsy for definitive diagnosis of tumors when indicated. 7
  • Management

  • MTC: Early prophylactic thyroidectomy (typically by age 5 years) to prevent malignancy. 5
  • Pheochromocytoma: Regular screening with metanephrines; surgical removal when detected. 5
  • Hyperparathyroidism: Parathyroidectomy for symptomatic or severe hypercalcemia. 5
  • Adrenal Management: Consider unilateral vs bilateral adrenalectomy based on tumor burden and risk assessment. 5
  • Monitoring: Lifelong surveillance for recurrence and development of new lesions. 5
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Early genetic counseling and prophylactic thyroidectomy recommended. 5
  • Comorbidities: Management of multiple endocrine tumors requires multidisciplinary care, especially in cases with overlapping features of MEN1 and MEN2. 8
  • Key Recommendations

  • Prophylactic Thyroidectomy: Perform prophylactic total thyroidectomy by age 5 years in mutation carriers to prevent MTC. (Evidence: Strong 5)
  • Regular Screening for Pheochromocytoma: Implement regular metanephrine screening starting in childhood for early detection of pheochromocytoma. (Evidence: Moderate 5)
  • Multidisciplinary Approach: Utilize a multidisciplinary team for comprehensive management of MEN2A, addressing both endocrine and non-endocrine manifestations. (Evidence: Expert opinion 5)
  • References

    1 Ezzat S. Integrative advances in endocrine oncology: From unique glimpses to familiar themes. Molecular and cellular endocrinology 2026. link 2 Dar AC, Das TK, Shokat KM, Cagan RL. Chemical genetic discovery of targets and anti-targets for cancer polypharmacology. Nature 2012. link 3 Witchel SF, Ranganathan S, Kilpatrick M, Carty SE. Reverse referral: from pathology to endocrinology. Endocrine pathology 2009. link 4 Carney JA. Familial multiple endocrine neoplasia: the first 100 years. The American journal of surgical pathology 2005. link 5 Evans DB, Lee JE, Merrell RC, Hickey RC. Adrenal medullary disease in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Appropriate management. Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America 1994. link 6 Lorz W, Cottier C, Imhof E, Gyr N. Multiple organ failure and coma as initial presentation of pheochromocytoma in a patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type II A. Intensive care medicine 1993. link 7 Tervo T, Haltia M, Tervo K, Eränkö L, Vannas A. Conjunctival nerve pathology in multiple endocrine neoplasia. A case report. Acta ophthalmologica 1987. link 8 Myers JH, Eversman JJ. Acromegaly, hyperparathyroidism, and pheochromocytoma in the same patient. A multiple endocrine disorder. Archives of internal medicine 1981. link 9 Spector B, Klintworth GK, Wells SA. Histologic study of the ocular lesions in multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type IIb. American journal of ophthalmology 1981. link90175-6) 10 Schnall AM, Genuth SM. Multiple endocrine adenomas in a patient with the Maffucci syndrome. The American journal of medicine 1976. link90421-6) 11 Carney JA, Go VL, Sizemore GW, Hayles AB. Alimentary-tract ganglioneuromatosis. A major component of the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2b. The New England journal of medicine 1976. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Integrative advances in endocrine oncology: From unique glimpses to familiar themes.Ezzat S Molecular and cellular endocrinology (2026)
    2. [2]
    3. [3]
      Reverse referral: from pathology to endocrinology.Witchel SF, Ranganathan S, Kilpatrick M, Carty SE Endocrine pathology (2009)
    4. [4]
      Familial multiple endocrine neoplasia: the first 100 years.Carney JA The American journal of surgical pathology (2005)
    5. [5]
      Adrenal medullary disease in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Appropriate management.Evans DB, Lee JE, Merrell RC, Hickey RC Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America (1994)
    6. [6]
    7. [7]
      Conjunctival nerve pathology in multiple endocrine neoplasia. A case report.Tervo T, Haltia M, Tervo K, Eränkö L, Vannas A Acta ophthalmologica (1987)
    8. [8]
    9. [9]
      Histologic study of the ocular lesions in multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type IIb.Spector B, Klintworth GK, Wells SA American journal of ophthalmology (1981)
    10. [10]
      Multiple endocrine adenomas in a patient with the Maffucci syndrome.Schnall AM, Genuth SM The American journal of medicine (1976)
    11. [11]
      Alimentary-tract ganglioneuromatosis. A major component of the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2b.Carney JA, Go VL, Sizemore GW, Hayles AB The New England journal of medicine (1976)

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