Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Treatment

Because we see more patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia than most programs, we have a higher level of experience and skill in treating these rare and complex diseases. This can give you a better chance for successful treatment.

Surgery is often the main therapy for MEN. Like all surgeries, surgery to treat multiple endocrine neoplasia is most successful when performed by a specialist with a great deal of experience in the particular procedure. MD Anderson surgeons are among the most skilled and recognized in the world. They perform many surgeries for MEN each year, using the least-invasive and most-effective techniques.

Our Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Treatments

If you are diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia, your doctor will discuss the best options to treat it. This depends on several factors, including the type of disease and your general health. Your treatment for MEN will be customized to your particular needs. One or more of the following therapies may be recommended to treat the disease or help relieve symptoms.

Surgery

Many times, the affected gland can be surgically removed to treat symptoms caused by MEN. Hyperparathyroidism caused by MEN1 is typically treated with surgical removal of three-and-a-half of the four parathyroid glands, although sometimes all four glands are removed, with a portion of the parathyroid gland inserted into the forearm.

Medicines

Medicine is sometimes used to help balance hormone levels or treat symptoms. Except for insulinoma, the effects of hormone-secreting pancreatic tumors in MEN1 are typically well managed with medication.

Radiation therapy

New radiation therapy techniques and remarkable skill allow MD Anderson doctors to target tumors more precisely, delivering the maximum amount of radiation with the least damage to healthy cells.

Active surveillance (“watch and wait”)

Sometimes, your doctor may suggest carefully monitoring MEN to see if it progresses or can be managed with medication.