Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B

Other Names: 

MEN2B; Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 3; Wagenmann-Froboese syndrome

Summary

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN2B) is a genetic disease in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive and form a tumor (neoplasia). Common tumors that may be associated with MEN2B include medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and tumors of the adrenal glands called pheochromocytomas. Other features of MEN2B can include having bumps on the lips, eyelids, and tongue. People with MEN2B typically have a body type with long arms, legs, and fingers. They may also have joints that are very loose (hyperextensible). MEN2B is caused by a specific genetic change (pathogenic variant) in the RET gene. The disease is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. A diagnosis of MEN2B is suspected when a person has a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, pheochromocytoma, or physical findings suggestive of MEN2B. The diagnosis can be confirmed with genetic testing.

About Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B

Many rare diseases have limited information. Currently, GARD aims to provide the following information for this disease:

• Population Estimate:This section is currently indevelopment.
• Symptoms:May start to appear as a Child.
• Cause:This disease has more than one possible cause.
• Organizations:Patient organizations are available to help find a specialist, or advocacy and support for this specific disease.
• Categories:CancerGenetic DiseasesEndocrine DiseasesGastrointestinal Diseases

Genetic Mutations

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B is caused by genetic mutations, also known as pathogenic variants. Genetic mutations can be hereditary, when parents pass them down to their children, or they may occur randomly when cells are dividing. Genetic mutations may also result from contracted viruses, environmental factors, such as UV radiation from sunlight exposure, or a combination of any of these. Learn more about genetic diseases from the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

If you suspect you may have this disease, you may want to start collecting your family health history. Information such as other family members who have had similar symptoms, when their/your symptoms first appeared, or exposures to any potential disease-causing environmental factors should be discussed with your medical team. This tool from the Surgeon General can help you collect your family health history.

Autosomal Dominant

Autosomal means the gene involved is located on one of the numbered chromosomes. Dominant means that a child only needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene, from either biological parent, to be affected by the disease.

People affected by an autosomal dominant disease have a 50% chance of passing on the mutated gene to their biological child.

Learn more about inheritance patterns from the National Library of Medicine (NLM).

When Do Symptoms of Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B Begin?

Symptoms of this disease may start to appear as a Child.

The age symptoms may begin to appear differs between diseases. Symptoms may begin in a single age range, or during several age ranges. The symptoms of some diseases may begin at any age. Knowing when symptoms may have appeared can help medical providers find the correct diagnosis.