Living with Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A
An inherited condition with a high risk of thyroid cancer, and possible adrenal and parathyroid tumors.
Understanding Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A
People are at high risk of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid. About 50 percent develop a pheochromocytoma, an adrenal tumor that may raise blood pressure. There is also a higher risk of parathyroid overgrowth. Occasionally an itchy skin condition called cutaneous lichen amyloidosis occurs. It often begins in childhood.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Thyroid cancer (medullary thyroid carcinoma)
- Adrenal tumor (pheochromocytoma)
- Thyroid nodule
- Overactive parathyroid glands (hyperparathyroidism)
- Sudden high blood pressure
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists, digestive system specialists, genetic specialists and hormone specialists.
- 3Consider genetic testing
Changes in RET are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Disorders and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
This condition is caused by changes in the RET gene. It is autosomal dominant, which means a changed copy of the gene from one parent can be enough to cause it.
Also known as: mea type 2a; mea type ii; men (multiple endocrine neoplasia) type 2a; men 2a; men type 2a; men type ii
Patient organizations
- Association for Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia DisordersMultiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A · United States
- International Neuroendocrine Cancer AllianceMultiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A.
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