Parathyroid cancer, or parathyroid carcinoma, is a rare form of cancer that affects the four parathyroid glands found in the neck. These glands are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone, which regulates the body’s calcium levels. Let's explore more: https://www.southlakegeneralsurgery.com/parathyroid-cancer-symptoms-and-treatment/

1. By
Dr. Valeria Simone MD
(Southlake General Surgery, Texas)

2. Parathyroid cancer, or parathyroid carcinoma, is a
rare form of cancer that affects the four
parathyroid glands found in the neck. These
glands are responsible for producing parathyroid
hormone, which regulates the body’s calcium
levels.
2

3. Parathyroid cancer is a serious condition that can lead to a variety of complications. Most cases are not inherited, and it
is more common in people over the age of 40. Unlike many other types of cancer, parathyroid cancer typically does not
spread beyond the initial location. In addition to this, it is one of the few forms of cancer that can be treated if detected
at an early enough stage. However, it has the potential to create life-threatening complications if it is not recognized
and treated at an early enough stage.
Surgical removal of one or more of the patient’s damaged parathyroid glands is the standard course of treatment for this
extremely rare form of cancer. The goal of surgery is to eliminate any malignant cells, as well as to restore normal
parathyroid hormone levels.
Depending on how aggressive the tumor is, radiation therapy and chemotherapy may also be employed in extremely
unusual circumstances.
When cancer cells develop in the parathyroid glands, they can form tumors and cause disruption to hormone
production. In more serious cases, these tumors can spread to other parts of the body and cause significant damage.
Professionals in the medical field almost never refer to parathyroid carcinoma by its four -stage nomenclature. Instead,
there are three distinct types of parathyroid cancer:

4. In the situation known as localized parathyroid cancer, the cancerous cells have not yet
moved to other areas of the body, and the tumor is still confined to the parathyroid gland.
This is the most frequent type of cancer that affects the parathyroid glands, and it almost
often affects just one of the four glands that are located in the neck. Even though localized
parathyroid carcinoma is not as dangerous as some other types of cancer, it can still cause
major disturbance to the body’s calcium levels. For this reason, it is essential that the
condition be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible.
Surgery is typically the recommended treatment for localized parathyroid cancer, although
radiation and chemotherapy may be used in more aggressive cases.

5. Metastatic parathyroid cancer is a more serious form of the disease, in which cancer cells
have spread beyond the original location in the neck. This type of parathyroid cancer is more
difficult to treat and can be life-threatening. In most cases, surgery is recommended to
remove the tumors, and radiation and chemotherapy may also be used if cancer has spread
to other parts of the body. Metastatic parathyroid cancer is more difficult to treat than
localized parathyroid cancer, and it is important for individuals to seek immediate medical
attention if they are diagnosed with this condition.

6. Recurrent parathyroid cancer is a rare condition in which cancer returns after treatment. It is
more common in people who have already been diagnosed with primary parathyroid cancer,
and it can be difficult to treat. The most common symptom of recurrent parathyroid cancer is
an elevated calcium level in the blood, as the cancerous cells produce an excess amount of
parathyroid hormone. Treatment for recurrent parathyroid cancer typically involves further
surgery and/or radiation therapy.

7. Parathyroid carcinoma is a malignant condition, which indicates that the cancerous cells have
the potential to spread to other areas of the body. On the other hand, parathyroid adenoma
is a benign condition, which indicates that the cells are isolated to one place and do not
spread.
Surgery, radiation therapy, and/or chemotherapy are the standard modes of treatment for
parathyroid cancer; however, parathyroid adenoma is frequently curable via surgical removal
alone.
The prognosis for parathyroid cancer is usually worse than for parathyroid adenoma, as the
cancerous cells can spread to other organs and cause damage. Therefore, it is important to
seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have symptoms of either condition.

8. Hypercalcemia is an increase in the calcium levels in the blood, and it is often a symptom of
parathyroid cancer. When the parathyroid glands produce excess parathyroid hormone, it can
lead to an oversupply of calcium in the body, which in turn can cause a variety of symptoms
such as fatigue, confusion, and muscle pain. High levels of calcium can also put a strain on
the kidneys, as they are responsible for filtering out excess calcium from the body.
Hypercalcemia can be controlled with medicine and lifestyle adjustments, but if it goes
untreated, it can have severe consequences.

9. There are several different types of parathyroid cancer, including squamous cell carcinoma,
follicular carcinoma, and medullary carcinoma.
• Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of parathyroid cancer, and it is usually
found in the upper neck area.
• Follicular carcinoma is rarer, and it typically appears in the lower neck area.
• Medullary carcinoma is the least common type of parathyroid cancer, and it is often found
in the middle part of the neck. It is usually more aggressive than the other types of
parathyroid cancer and can spread to other parts of the body. Treatment for medullary
carcinoma usually involves surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy.
It is important to seek medical help as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of
parathyroid cancer to get the best possible treatment.

10. It is most common in adults, with many cases occurring in individuals over the age of 60. It is
also more common in women than men, as well as in individuals who have had radiation to
the neck for other medical conditions.
Family history of parathyroid cancer can also be a factor, as can certain genetic conditions
such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). It is important to note that parathyroid
cancer is a rare condition and many people who do have it may never experience any
symptoms.
People with certain genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia, are also at an
increased risk for this type of cancer.
This type of cancer is also more likely to occur in those who have had radiation therapy in the
neck area, and those with conditions like Down syndrome and Carney complex.

11. Incidence rates of parathyroid cancer are low, with only around 4,000 new cases diagnosed
annually in the United States. While exact numbers are unknown, it is thought that 1 in
100,000 persons will acquire parathyroid cancer each year.
While it is more common in the elderly, it can occur at any age. Early diagnosis and treatment
of parathyroid cancer can improve the chances of a successful outcome, so it is important to
be aware of the signs and symptoms and book an appointment with your doctor as soon as
possible if you have any concerns. Fortunately, with proper treatment, most people can live
normal, healthy lives.

12. The exact cause of parathyroid cancer is unknown, but there are several factors that may increase
the risk, such as:
• Age
• Genetics
• Radiation exposure
• Certain medical conditions.
Some studies have found a correlation between anomalies in the gene that regulates parathyroid
hormone production and the development of parathyroid cancer.
Other factors that may increase the risk of parathyroid cancer include:
• a family history of the disease
• exposure to radiation
• certain genetic conditions
It is important to talk to a doctor if you have any risk factors for parathyroid cancer so they can
monitor you and provide appropriate treatment if necessary.

13. Parathyroid cancer may not cause any symptoms, but the symptoms can vary from person to person and
may not be obvious at first.
Some common symptoms of parathyroid carcinoma include:
• neck pain
• swollen lymph nodes
• feeling depressed
• nausea and vomiting
• difficulty swallowing or speaking
• unexplained weight loss
• constipation
• fatigue
• weakness
• frequent urination
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible as they may
indicate a more serious issue such as parathyroid carcinoma. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment,
so it is important to have any concerns checked out by a qualified medical professional.

14. It can be difficult to diagnose, as it often does not cause any symptoms. The diagnosis of
parathyroid cancer typically begins with a physical examination and a review of the patient’s
medical history.
If the doctor suspects that the patient has parathyroid carcinoma, further testing such as:
• Parathyroid scan (MRI or CT scans)
• blood tests to measure parathyroid hormone levels (PTH).
If the diagnosis is still uncertain, a parathyroid biopsy may be performed. It is important to
note that other conditions, such as benign tumors or overactive parathyroid glands, can also
cause similar symptoms and should be ruled out before a diagnosis of parathyroid cancer is
made. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful outcomes, so it is important to be
aware of the signs and symptoms and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.

15. The treatment usually depends on the stage of cancer and can include surgery to remove the
affected parathyroid gland. In most cases, this operation, known as a parathyroidectomy, can
permanently eliminate the problem. Depending on the size and stage of the tumor, additional
treatments such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy may also be
recommended.
When treating parathyroid cancer, the following surgical methods may be used:

16. Tumor debulking is the removal of as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. It is often
used in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy, to reduce the
size of a tumor before more invasive treatments are used.
This procedure is particularly useful for tumors that have spread to other parts of the body as
it can help contain the spread of cancer. To reduce the size of a tumor, surgery is one option,
but drugs and non-invasive techniques like cryosurgery or laser ablation are also viable
options.

17. En bloc resection is a type of surgery that involves removing both the tumor and the
surrounding normal tissue. It is typically used in cases where the cancer is advanced and has
spread to nearby tissue. This type of surgery is often used to provide a more thorough
treatment with fewer chances of recurrence.
It can also protect surrounding tissue, making it a recommended treatment for some
parathyroid cancers.

18. If cancer has spread to other parts of the body or metastasized, it can be surgically removed
in a procedure called a metastasectomy. When the disease has already spread to other
organs, such as the liver or lungs, this form of surgery is typically the only option. The goal of
this procedure is to remove as much of the cancerous tissue as possible to limit the spread
and improve the chances of successful treatment. It can be used as a standalone treatment
or in conjunction with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
The prognosis for parathyroid carcinoma is often good, particularly if it is caught in its early
stages. However, it is important to discuss treatment options with your doctor and determine
the best course of action for your individual situation.

19. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be suggested for patients with advanced parathyroid
carcinoma. If the tumor is too large for surgical removal or if cancer has spread to other parts
of the body, this option may be suggested.
Talking to your doctor about your symptoms and concerns is essential to establishing a
treatment plan that is right for you. When used in conjunction with surgery, radiation and
chemotherapy can reduce the size of a tumor or remove any remaining cancer cells.

20. To alleviate discomfort or prevent complications, medication may be recommended. In
addition, certain medications such as calcimimetics can help regulate parathyroid hormone
levels and reduce the risk of hypercalcemia, a common side effect of parathyroid cancer.
Rarely, targeted medications like kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies may be provided
to aid in tumor reduction or cancer progression. You and your doctor should talk about all of
your treatment options to find the one that works best for you.
Let’s explore more: Parathyroid Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment - Southlake General
Surgery

21. For more information on the topic “Parathyroid Cancer – Symptoms and
Treatment” or consultation about Thyroid Treatment with Dr. Valeria Simone
MD, at Southlake General Surgery, Texas. You can contact our healthcare expert
today for a quick appointment at +1 (817) 748-0200. You can also make an
online appointment with us.
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• Source: Parathyroid Cancer - Symptoms and Treatment - Southlake General
Surgery

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