Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

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Which condition is related to MEN 2a?

Pheochromocytoma, medullary carcinoma, neuroma
Parathyroid hyperplasia, medullary carcinoma, pheochromocytoma
Medullary carcinoma, pancreatic tumors
Neurofibromatosis

The correct answer is: Parathyroid hyperplasia, medullary carcinoma, pheochromocytoma

Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2a (MEN 2a), also known as Sipple syndrome, is characterized by a specific set of conditions. The correct association includes parathyroid hyperplasia, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma. Parathyroid hyperplasia involves the overactivity of the parathyroid glands, leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood, which is a common endocrine manifestation in MEN 2a. Medullary thyroid carcinoma is the most distinctive and notable feature of MEN 2a, arising from the parafollicular C cells of the thyroid, contributing significantly to the syndrome's etiology and management. Pheochromocytoma, a tumor of the adrenal glands resulting in excess catecholamine production, is also frequently associated with MEN 2a, leading to symptoms such as hypertension and palpitations. In contrast, while medullary carcinoma is correctly mentioned in some of the other options, neurofibromatosis is unrelated to MEN 2a and instead denotes a different genetic disorder. Therefore, the combination of parathyroid hyperplasia, medullary carcinoma, and pheochromocytoma represents the hallmark triad characteristic of MEN 2a.