What is multiple endocrine neoplasia?

11 December 2025

It is an hereditary condition of the endocrine glands, which release an excess of hormones that can lead to the formation of tumors, most of which are benign, but which can at some point evolve and become cancerous tumors.

The cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia is due to genetic defects and can occur at any age, affecting men and women equally. If there is a family history, the risk of developing it is higher.

Multiple endocrine neoplasia is a low-incidence condition that is classified as:

  • Type 1: Can cause tumors to grow in the pancreas, intestines, parathyroids, and pituitary gland, leading to various conditions.
  • Type 2: Causes tumors in the adrenal gland, lips, tongue, and digestive tract.

Signs and symptoms Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia

The generalized symptoms of this pathology include:

  • Episodes of anxiety.
  • Lumps in the throat or neck.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Lack of appetite.
  • Headaches.
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing.
  • Muscle aches.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Accelerated heart rate.
  • Fatigue.
  • Bone fractures.
  • Indigestion.
  • Decrease in body weight.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Stomach or intestinal ulcers.
  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.

Diagnosis and treatment Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia

Once the doctor analyzes your symptoms and clinical history, they will perform a physical examination and request various studies to confirm the diagnosis, including:

  • Blood tests.
  • Endoscopy.
  • Genetic tests.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Computed tomography (CT scan).

In multiple endocrine neoplasia, treatment is determined based on the location of the tumor and seeks to alleviate symptoms, most often opting for the removal of the affected gland and the use of hormone replacement therapy after surgery.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center offers you chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments on par with the best medical centers in the world through a comprehensive care model for the oncology patient.

Related centers and departments Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • cun.es
  • medlineplus.gov
  • msdmanuals.com
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Maldonado GEL, Nacud BYA, Gómez VCM, et al. Neoplasia endocrina múltiple IIA: feocromocitoma bilateral A propósito de un caso y revisión de la literatura. Rev Fac Med UNAM. 2021;64(1):26-31.
  • Ruiz-Reyes ML, Pasquel-García VPM. Síndrome de neoplasia endocrina múltiple tipo 2B. Ganglioneuromatosis intestinal difusa y carcinoma medular de tiroides. Acta Pediatr Mex. 2019;40(1):28-31.
  • Gamboa-Jiménez TI, Juárez-Aguilar FG. Multicentric insulinoma associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1: One case report. Rev Med Inst Mex Seguro Soc. 2018;56(3):316-319.

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