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MULTIPLE ENDOCRINE NEOPLASIA (MEN) is a group of rare diseases caused by
genetic defects that lead to hyperplasia (abnormal multiplication or increase in
the number of normal cells in normal arrangement in a tissue) and
hyperfunction (excessive functioning) of 2 or more components of the endocrine
system.
Endocrine glands are different from other organs in the body because they
release hormones into the bloodstream. Hormones are powerful chemicals that
travel through the blood, controlling and instructing the functions of various
organs. Normally, the hormones released by endocrine glands are carefully
balanced to met the body's needs. When a person has MEN, specific endocrine
glands, such as the parathyroid glands, the pancreas gland and the pituitary
gland, tend to become overactive. When these glands go into overdrive, the
result can be: excessive calcium in the bloodstream (resulting in kidney stones
or kidney damage); fatigue; weakness; muscle or bone pain; constipation;
indigestion; and thinning of bones.
The MEN1 gene, which has been known for several years to be found on chromosome 11, was more finely mapped in 1997.