[Hereditary multiple endocrine neoplasm syndromes].

Three syndromes of multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) have been identified to date: MEN--I, IIa and IIb. They involve various combinations of endocrine neoplasia and occur mostly in young patients. Predisposition transmission mechanism is autosomal-dominant with total penetration and variable expressiveness. Patients' families should undergo screening which involves identification of biochemical markers and cytogenetic examination. This would allow identification of subjects at high risk for cancer and improvement of early diagnosis.