Dear Madam/Sir,
My wife was diagnosed with MEN-2A. She had a left pheochromocytoma which
was removed in June, 1994. Then a right pheochromocytoma requiring a
right adrenalectomy in April, 1995. Her thyroid gland was also removed
together with parathyroid, for a suspected MTC in June, 1995. Since then
she is on hormonal replacement therapy. Her health status is becoming
sensitive to the heat, sea-food and she can get easily cold and flu, but
with a more longer time to recover. Physically she becomes weak. One week
before and after her period she always has a strong headache, which often
needs a glucose and calcium injection.
Now I am concerned about my five-year-old daughter, who is found positive
for Cys634ArgRET mutation. Her (pentagastrin+calcium)stimulated plasma
calcitonin level is found 8.9 times the basal concentration. At present,
I know that the only option to prevent MTC is early thyroidectomy. The
surgery is planned to mid of April, 1997.
I would highly appreciate your help to advice me on the following:
1. Would the thyroidectomy affect her physical and mental growth?
2. Has anyone such a patient, who had (or has)his/her thyroid gland
removed at the early years of age. If yes, how does the patient live
on with the hormonal replacement therapy?
3. Is there a better option other than the operation?
Your time and help are highly appreciated,
Souly Phanouvong
La Trobe University,
School of Public Health
Bundoora, Victoria 3083
Australia
Fax: (61 3) 9285 5285
Phone:(61 3)9285 5113 (home:(61 3)9547 3475
e-mail: HSSSP@luff.latrobe.edu.au
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