Multiple endocrine neoplasias: an overview of recent progress

This is the second special supplement published by CLINICS, following hard upon the heels of our issue on Neural and Behavioral aspects of the human mind (1-8). It is dedicated to the theme of multiple endocrine neoplasias (MENs) types 1 and 2, and we believe, it is especially valuable because we have collected the views of several well-known specialists in this highly specific field from 12 different countries. Thus, a global overview of the subject could be put together. The idea was to offer the reader an update on important aspects of MENs such as those concerning early diagnosis, family screening, early surgical intervention, follow up, medical treatment, and genetic counseling. Two articles cover specific national aspects of the manner in which MENs are dealt with in Brazil and Chile, which are of course, of special interest to readers in Latin America, because of the many common features of medicine in this part of the world. Twelve articles cover aspects of the genetic fundamentals behind a number of these diseases. One is an original piece of research on the genetics of MEN 2A. Diagnosis and general aspects leading thereto are the subject of three articles. Three others discuss clinical approaches and eight cover surgical treatment. We sincerely hope that we are putting forward a useful collection, which may serve as a guide to all those working in this rapidly evolving field. We believe this volume will be of interest to scientists, clinicians, and to all other professionals directly or indirectly involved with the problems arising from MENs. Our long term goal is to update this collection when a sufficiently new situation has evolved in the general knowledge in this fascinating field.