unusual parathyroid adenoma and genetics

I had an unusual parathyroid adenoma removed recently.  It was unusual in size and composition, according to the ENT.  He thought it could be cancerous because of the unusual biopsy, but it wasn't.  There are many of my mother's siblings who have had thyroid disease--8 outof11children, including my mother.  I don't know about my father's family's medical history because he was adopted. The records are sealed. He died in his forties of throat cancer.  Should I have genetic testing to see what kinds of diseases I am at risk for?  I now have unusual spikes in my blood pressure that are hard to control, and the doctor is trying to figure out what is causing it.  The readings span from 195/135 down to 70/40 on blood pressure medication. Is it possible that there is a genetic factor dealing with the endocrine system that could be playing a part in the blood pressure problem now?  My bp used to be very low (80/50).

[Lisa Kessler, MS, CGC]

It sounds like you would benefit from seeing a geneticist and genetic counselor for an evaluation of your symptoms and your family history.  Genetic counselors will ask questions about your family health history and will construct and interpret your family tree.  There are some genetic conditions including multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) that causes an increased risk for parathyroid adenoma, which you have had.  

MEN2A is an inherited condition that causes an increased risk to develop particular types of tumors including medullary thyroid cancer, parathyroid tumors and pheochromocytoma.  Pheochromocytoma is a tumor of the adrenal gland which can cause increases in blood pressure.  

Genetic testing is available for this condition.  The gene associated with this condition is called, RET.  A genetic counselor will discuss information about how the test is performed, what type of sample is needed (usually a small blood sample), and what the test can and cannot tell you.  You can find a genetic counselor through the website of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.  

[Praspowt]

Disease comes to my mind is called multiple endocrine neoplasia.
The condition is characterized with family with high predisposition risk to many endocrine cancer.
There are two type of the syndrome
Type 1 usually present with parathyroid hyperplasia, adenoma or cancer, multiple, young age with frequent bone fractures or osteoporosis. Can have other tumor of pancreas (in the abdomen) and pituitary (in the brain)

Type 2 usually present with thyroid cancer of medullary type, some times can have parathyroid tumor and frequent have phaeochromocytoma, tumor of adrenal gland (in the abdomen)

This type is fit to your family history. Your father may died from medullary thyroid cancer (throat cancer). You have parathyroid tumor and hypertension.
You should ask your doctor to find out that you have phaeo or not? (I think your doctor may look for it already)
Genetic test for this syndrome is easily taken, you can consult endocrinologist to look after thos test.
Wheter the test is positive or not, it will you more clear about screening cancer for you and your families.
Is this help?
praspowt at hotmail.com
http://clinicalgenetics.blogspot.com

[bugsbny452]

Thank you so much for your suggestions.  I will ask my endocrinologist about having some testing done.  I need to know not just for my own health's sake, but also for my children's sake.  I really do appreciate it!  God bless both of you!