Why do I love thyroids so much? Because I had thyroid cancer of course!
I was diagnosed with MEN2a when I was 6 months old. MEN2a (Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 2a) is a disorder that increases risk for tumors in the thyroid and adrenal gland, both part of the endocrine system. When the tumor occurs in the thyroid it is called Medullary thyroid cancer. Medullary thyroid cancer is a cancer that occurs in the thyroid medulla which is the middle of the thyroid. When the tumor is in the adrenal gland it is called a pheochromocytoma, this is not typically cancerous. There is a 1 in 35,000 chance of that occurring but MEN2a is usually inherited. My parents had me tested for MEN2a because my Dad had it. I had my blood taken and it was sent to UW Madison for genetic testing. They looked for a RET gene mutation. Turns out I had it. Then when I was 4, I had surgery done, but it turns out I had small micro tumors that were turning into cancer, but not yet. Now I take medications for the rest of my life (levothyroxine). I also need regular blood draws. If I ever stop taking the medication then I die. That’s why I am the awesome Thyroid King!
