What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Carcinoma of the Parathyroid Glands
• Parathyroid Cancer

What is Parathyroid Carcinoma? (Definition/Background Information)

• Parathyroid Carcinoma is a rare form of cancer that develops in one or more of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are small, four-pea-sized organs located in the neck, behind the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps to regulate calcium levels in blood
• The malignancy mostly develops in middle-aged and older adults, more commonly in women. Even though the cause of Parathyroid Carcinoma is unknown, some of the factors that may influence its development include positive family history of the condition, prior radiation therapy, and certain genetic disorders
•  The signs and symptoms of Parathyroid Carcinoma may include fatigue, bone pain, increased blood calcium levels, and the formation of kidney stones. A diagnosis of the condition involves measuring parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels in the blood, followed by a parathyroid gland biopsy
• The treatment of Parathyroid Carcinoma may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, based on the healthcare provider’s assessment of the condition. The prognosis of the condition is improved with early diagnosis and treatment, and it varies from one individual to another

Who gets Parathyroid Carcinoma? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Parathyroid Carcinoma is most common in individuals aged 50 and older
• It is more common in women than men
• Presently, no racial or ethnic group preference is reported

What are the Risk Factors for Parathyroid Carcinoma? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Parathyroid Carcinoma include:

• Positive family history of Parathyroid Carcinoma
• Certain genetic syndromes, including multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN type I and MEN type IIa)
• Radiation exposure to the neck region
• Use of lithium medications

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Parathyroid Carcinoma? (Etiology)

Currently, the exact cause of the formation of parathyroid carcinoma is not well-understood. Certain contributory factors that can increase one’s risk include:

• A family history of parathyroid carcinoma
• Certain genetic syndromes, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type I and type IIa
• Radiation exposure to the neck
• Certain medications such as lithium

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Parathyroid Carcinoma?

The signs and symptoms of Parathyroid Carcinoma can vary depending on the stage of the cancer. Some common signs and symptoms include:

• Hypercalcemia (high calcium levels in the blood)
• Fatigue
• Bone pain
• Kidney stones
• Constipation
• Frequent urination

How is Parathyroid Carcinoma Diagnosed?

• Parathyroid Carcinoma is diagnosed with a blood test to measure parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
• If PTH levels are high, a healthcare provider may order a biopsy of the parathyroid gland to confirm the diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Parathyroid Carcinoma?

The complications of Parathyroid Carcinoma can include:

• Nerve damage
• Infection
• Cancer recurrence
• Treatment side effects

How is Parathyroid Carcinoma Treated?

The treatment for Parathyroid Carcinoma depends on the stage of cancer.

• If the cancer is found early, surgery may be the only treatment needed
• If the cancer has spread to other body parts, surgery may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy

How can Parathyroid Carcinoma be Prevented?

Currently, there are no available measures to prevent Parathyroid Carcinoma. However, early detection and treatment can improve the chances of better outcomes.

What is the Prognosis of Parathyroid Carcinoma? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Parathyroid Carcinoma depends on the stage of cancer at diagnosis.

• If the cancer is found early, the survival rate is high
• If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the survival rate is lower

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Parathyroid Carcinoma:

The following link is a useful resource for information on cancers and benign tumors on DoveMed:

https://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/