Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1)

Overview

Multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1 (MEN 1), sometimes called Wermer's syndrome, is a rare disorder that causes tumors in the endocrine glands and parts of the small intestine and stomach. In MEN 1, the endocrine glands — usually the parathyroids, pancreas and pituitary — grow tumors and release excessive amounts of hormones that can lead to disease. However, the tumors are usually not cancerous (benign).

The excess hormones can cause symptoms such as tiredness, bone pain, fractures and kidney stones, as well as stomach or intestinal ulcers. Although MEN 1 can't be cured, if regular testing detects problems, doctors can provide treatment as needed.

MEN 1 is an inherited disorder, meaning people who have the gene mutation can pass it on to their children. Each child has a 50 percent chance of inheriting the disorder.

Why choose Mayo Clinic for MEN 1

• Experience and expertise. Although MEN 1 is rare, you can rely on the expertise and experience of Mayo Clinic specialists to diagnose and provide the best treatment for this complicated disorder. Specialists at Mayo provide the latest interventions for both primary tumors and those that have spread (metastasized).
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic specialists work as a team to listen, counsel and treat people who have MEN 1. Depending on your specific needs and related conditions, the team may include experts in endocrinology, endocrine surgery, gastroenterology, neurosurgery, oncology, interventional radiology, radiation oncology, chest (thoracic) surgery, liver (hepatobiliary) surgery, medical genetics, and other areas if needed.

Mayo Clinic: Answers you can trust

At Mayo Clinic, we assemble a team of specialists who take the time to listen and thoroughly understand your health issues and concerns. We tailor the care you receive to your personal health care needs. You can trust our specialists to collaborate and offer you the best possible outcomes, safety and service.

Mayo Clinic is a not-for-profit medical institution that reinvests all earnings into improving medical practice, research and education. We're constantly involved in innovation and medical research, finding solutions to improve your care and quality of life. Your doctor or someone on your medical team is likely involved in research related to your condition.

Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care — and trusted answers — like they've never experienced.

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