Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN 1), also known as Wermer’s syndrome, is a rare inherited condition that primarily causes tumors in the endocrine glands. These tumors are usually non-cancerous but can develop in several important areas:
- Parathyroid glands
- Pancreas
- Pituitary gland
- Small intestine and stomach
The condition often leads to hormone overproduction, which creates various health problems.
MEN 1 can’t be cured, but regular medical monitoring helps detect problems early. Since MEN 1 is a genetic condition, people who carry the gene mutation can pass it to their children.
Signs and Symptoms
People with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 may experience:
- Feeling tired often
- Pain in bones or fractures
- Stones in kidneys
- Stomach or intestinal ulcers
- Pain in the stomach area
- Weakness in muscles
- Feelings of depression
- Heartburn
- Frequent loose stools
These symptoms happen because tumors cause the body to produce too many hormones.
Causes
MEN 1 (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1) develops due to mutations in the MEN1 gene. This gene produces a protein called menin that regulates cell growth and division.
Various mutations in the MEN1 gene can trigger this condition. When the gene functions improperly, cells may grow and divide uncontrollably, leading to tumors in endocrine glands.
MEN 1 follows an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning:
- Only one altered copy of the gene is needed to cause the condition
- Each child of an affected person has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation
- The condition can be passed from either parent
While many people inherit the mutated gene from a parent, some cases occur due to spontaneous mutations – new genetic changes that appear for the first time in a family with no previous history of the condition.
Risk Factors
People who have a parent with a genetic change in the MEN1 gene face a higher risk of developing multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). Children of affected parents have a 50% chance of inheriting this genetic change.
Family members of someone with an MEN1 gene change may also be at risk. This includes parents and siblings who might carry the same genetic change even if they haven’t shown any symptoms of MEN 1 yet.
The risk factors for MEN 1 are primarily genetic rather than environmental or lifestyle-related. This means:
Key Risk Factors:
- Having a parent with the MEN1 gene change
- Being a sibling or parent of someone with the MEN1 gene change
- Having the genetic mutation yourself, even without symptoms yet
If you have a family history of MEN 1, talking with a healthcare provider about genetic testing may be helpful. They can explain the benefits and limitations of testing for you and your family members.
