Which syndrome is associated with both pheochromocytoma and thyroid cancer?

The association of pheochromocytoma and thyroid cancer is specifically tied to Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2A (MEN 2A). This hereditary syndrome is characterized by the presence of medullary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, and primary hyperparathyroidism.

In MEN 2A, patients often develop pheochromocytomas, which are tumors of the adrenal glands that produce excess catecholamines, leading to symptoms such as hypertension and palpitations. They also have a high risk of developing medullary thyroid carcinoma, a malignancy of the thyroid gland derived from parafollicular C cells. The genetic basis of MEN 2A involves mutations in the RET proto-oncogene, which plays a significant role in cell signaling pathways linked to cell growth and differentiation.

In contrast, the other syndromes mentioned do not establish a similar relationship. For example, MEN 1 primarily involves pituitary tumors, hyperparathyroidism, and pancreatic endocrine tumors, but not pheochromocytoma or thyroid cancer. Von Hippel-Lindau syndrome is associated with retinal hemangioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma, and pheochromocytomas but lacks the association with thyroid cancer. Nevoid basal