Multiple idiopathic mucosal neuromas: a minor form of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B or a new entity?

J Am Acad Dermatol. 1997 Aug;37(2 Pt 2):349-52.

Abstract

Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2B (MEN 2B) is a rare autosomal dominant process characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and mucosal neuromas. A point mutation at codon 918 of the RET protooncogene has been observed in approximately 90% of patients and families with MEN 2B. Mucosal neuromas are the most consistent and distinctive feature (100% of patients) of MEN 2B and are considered pathognomonic. We describe a 35-year-old woman with mucosal neuromas of the lower lip and tongue that appeared in early childhood. Examination did not reveal other abnormalities. After a follow-up of more than 22 years with periodic clinical, biochemical, and radiologic studies, no evidence of MEN 2B has been detected. Analysis of the RET protooncogene exons 10, 11, and 16 did not demonstrate point mutation in the MEN 2B region (M918T).

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Base Sequence
  • Biopsy
  • Chronic Disease
  • Codon / genetics
  • DNA Mutational Analysis / methods
  • DNA Primers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lip / pathology
  • Lip Neoplasms / genetics
  • Lip Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b / genetics
  • Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2b / pathology*
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform / genetics
  • Neurofibroma, Plexiform / pathology*
  • Point Mutation
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction / methods
  • Proto-Oncogenes / genetics
  • Tongue Neoplasms / genetics
  • Tongue Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Codon
  • DNA Primers