Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1)

What can I do to manage my increased risk of tumours?

Screening

Screening helps to detect (and in some cases treat) tumours at an early and manageable stage.

• Parathyroid glands (parathyroid adenomas)
  • Blood tests to measure calcium and parathyroid hormone levels
• Pituitary gland (pituitary adenomas)
  • Physical examination
  • Brain/whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan*
• Adrenal glands (adrenocortical tumours)
  • Whole-body MRI with focus on adrenals*
• Lung airways (bronchopulmonary NETs)
  • Whole-body MRI with focus on chest *
• Stomach, duodenum and pancreas (gastroduodenpancreatic NETs)
  • Fasting blood test to measure gut hormones
  • MRI of the pancreas and intestines*
• Thymus (thymic NETs)
  • Whole-body MRI with focus on chest*

* Computed tomography (CT) scans can be considered if MRI is unavailable

Your managing doctor(s) will discuss screening recommendations with you in greater detail. The onset and frequency of screening would be personalised according to your needs, personal and family history. Screening guidelines may change as more information is known.

Risk-reducing surgery

In some cases, risk-reducing surgery may be offered to help reduce the risk of tumours developing.

For example, in thymic NETs, concurrent surgery to remove the thymus can be considered along with surgery to remove the parathyroid.

However, do note that this is not standard management and this option will be discussed in detail with you by your managing doctor(s).

Lifestyle adjustments

Lifestyle adjustments such as avoiding smoking can help manage this risk.