Question

Which of the following statements are true for multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes?

• A. [(A)] \textbf{Each type of MEN syndrome is inherited as autosomal recessive.}
• B. [(B)] \textbf{MEN type I is characterized by triad of tumors involving parathyroids, pancreatic islets and anterior pituitary}
• C. [(C)] \textbf{Majority of patients with MEN type I have hypercalcemia}
• D. [(D)] \textbf{Medullary thyroid carcinoma is the most common feature of MEN type 2} \textbf{Choose the correct answer from the options given below :}

Hint:

\textbf{Endocrinology: MEN Syndromes.} Remember the autosomal dominant inheritance pattern of MEN syndromes and the key tumor associations for MEN type 1 (parathyroid, pancreas, pituitary) and MEN type 2 (medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, +/- parathyroid).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Let's evaluate each statement about Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) syndromes: (A) Each type of MEN syndrome is inherited as autosomal recessive: MEN syndromes are inherited as autosomal dominant conditions, meaning that only one copy of the mutated gene is needed to develop the syndrome. Thus, statement (A) is false. (B) MEN type I is characterized by triad of tumors involving parathyroids, pancreatic islets and anterior pituitary: MEN type 1 is indeed characterized by the "3 Ps": primary hyperparathyroidism (due to parathyroid adenomas), pancreatic islet cell tumors, and pituitary tumors (adenomas). Thus, statement (B) is true. (C) Majority of patients with MEN type I have hypercalcemia: Primary hyperparathyroidism, caused by parathyroid adenomas, is the most common manifestation of MEN type 1. This leads to increased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and consequently hypercalcemia (elevated blood calcium levels) in the majority of affected individuals. Thus, statement (C) is true. (D) Medullary thyroid carcinoma is the most common feature of MEN type 2: Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is a hallmark feature of all subtypes of MEN type 2 (MEN 2A and MEN 2B). It is a thyroid cancer arising from parafollicular C cells that produce calcitonin. Thus, statement (D) is true. Therefore, the true statements for multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes are (B), (C), and (D).