SPECIALISTS WHO TREAT:
Jeffrey F. Moley, MD
Terry C. Lairmore, MD
FOR PATIENT APPOINTMENTS, CALL (314) 362-8025
Washington University is recognized worldwide for its extensive experience in treating patients with these rare, inherited syndromes that may produce tumors in the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands, as well as in the pancreas. Researchers at Washington University are credited with cloning the MEN II gene and have developed the latest advances in the surgical treatment of these syndromes. (Syndromes are medical conditions that occur in groups of three.)
MEN-IIA (Sipple syndrome) has bilateral medullary carcinoma or C cell hyperplasia, pheochromocytoma and hyperparathyroidism. This syndrome is caused by a defective gene, which helps to control the normal growth of endocrine tissues.
Patients with MEN-IIB present with medullary carcinoma and pheochromocytoma but only rarely will have hyperparathyroidism. Instead, these patients are more likely to have an unusual appearance that is characterized by mucosal ganglioneuromas (tumors in the mouth) and Marfanoid habitus.