Description
Parathyroid cancer is a rare cancer of the parathyroid glands. There are four parathyroid glands and they surround the thyroid gland in the front of the neck. The cancerous cells may cause an increase in the amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body. This results in increased calcium blood levels and related symptoms such as bone pain, kidney stones, weakness and confusion. The cancer usually occurs in individuals in their 50's and 60's.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include weakness, weight loss, frequent urination, constipation, bone pain and/or confusion. Other symptoms may include hoarseness or a lump in the front of the neck.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies will be performed. Ultimately, a tissue biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Endocrinology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Workup:
A complete history and physical will be performed. Blood tests and imaging studies will be performed. Ultimately, a tissue biopsy may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Urinalysis (UA), X-ray
Other Specific Tests: tissue biopsy
Specialists:
Endocrinology, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Surgical Oncology
Treatment
Treatment will initially be directed at controlling the elevation of blood calcium. Then, if the cancer is limited to the parathyroid gland, surgical removal will be attempted. If the cancer has spread, a combination of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy may be necessary.