Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 is the worst of them all in diagnostic error. It is the major cause of morbidity and a reduction of life expectancy. A lot of patients have this condition without knowing and it is one the most misdiagnosed and overlooked in our health care system.
WHAT IS MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA TYPE 1?
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare genetic disorder that mainly affects the endocrine glands located in different parts of the body. These glands control the production of hormones that direct many body processes, including growth, digestion, reproduction and sexual function.
Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN1) causes the growth of tumors especially internal tumors in both the endocrine system and non-endocrine system. Symptoms of MEN1 include tumors of the parathyroid gland, the pituitary gland, and the pancreas, other glands may be involved as well.
The tumors are often “functional” and secrete excess hormones, which causes many of the different signs and symptoms of the condition.
Non-endocrine tumors are also found in MEN1, including fatty tumors (lipomas) and tumors of the skin or the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord).
Signs and symptoms of MEN1 vary and largely depend on which endocrine glands are affected.
Parathyroid tumors are present in 90% of people with MEN1 and may cause fatigue, depression, weight loss, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, kidney stones, fragile bones, and hypertension.
Pituitary tumors can lead to headaches, vision problems, nausea and vomiting. In women, infertility, menstrual periods may become irregular or stop completely. Men may have decreased fertility, diminished sexual desire or erectile dysfunction.
Stomach, bowel, or pancreas (also called the gastro-entero-pancreatic, or GEP tract) tumors can cause high blood sugar, weight loss, glossitis, anemia, diarrhea, blood clots, and skin rash.
Adrenal tumors can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the type of hormones they secrete, including high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, panic attacks, headaches, diabetes, abdominal pain, weakness, excessive hair growth, and stretch marks.
Carcinoid tumors (slow-growing tumors that usually begin in the lining of the lungs or the digestive tract can cause flushing of the face and upper chest; diarrhea; and difficult breathing.
The tumors that develop in MEN1 are often benign; however, in some cases, they can become malignant (cancerous). We have diagnosed many patients with men1 who never knew that it was actually the root cause of what they have been suffering from for many years.
If you have been sick with any of these symptoms that have refused to be treated, or keep getting worse even after running series of test and taking different medications. Please seek for accurate diagnosis of MEN1, it may be the root cause of your problem.