Endocrine and Diabetes

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia I and II

These are rare, genetic conditions are passed down through families. They cause tumors of the parathyroid, adrenal, and thyroid glands, leading to overproduction of hormones. The cause of MEN II is a defect in a gene called RET. This defect causes many tumors to appear in the same person, but not necessarily at the same time. The disorder may occur at any age, and affects men and women equally. The main risk factor is a family history of MEN II.