Association for
Multiple Endocrine
Neoplasia Disorders

What is MEN?

MEN stands for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, of which there are three distinct types – MEN1, MEN2 and MEN3. MEN2 was formerly called MEN2a and MEN3 was formerly called MEN2b, and indeed there are similarities between the two.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndromes are inherited disorders – This means that they can be passed down in families, with each child of an affected parent having a 1 in 2 or 50% risk of inheritance.

MEN syndromes cause more than one gland of the body’s endocrine (gland) system to develop tumors. The affected glands then produce abnormally increased amounts of hormones, the body’s chemical messengers, which in turn cause a variety of different symptoms.

Each tumor may occur alone or independently of MEN and are here referred to as associated endocrine tumors.

A person may have a gene change that causes MEN but not yet have developed any of the tumors and they are then known as a “MEN carrier” and should be offered regular tests and follow-up appointments at an endocrine clinic in the same way as a patient who already has MEN tumors.

In many people (although not all) the gene change may be identified by genetic testing, but this should be done after specialist genetic counseling. Genetic testing and counseling services are available on referral from your doctor or specialist.