Parathyroid cancer

Alternative Names

Symptoms

Symptoms of parathyroid cancer are primarily caused by high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), and may affect various parts of the body. They include:

• Abnormal fractures
• Bone pain
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Frequent thirst
• Frequent urination
• Kidney stones
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Poor appetite
• Vomiting

It is important to note that primary hyperparathyroidism is a much more common cause of these symptoms, and most patients with these symptoms do not have parathyroid cancer.

Exams and Tests

Parathyroid cancer is extremely hard to diagnose.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history.

In about half of all cases, feeling the neck with the hands (palpation) can reveal a cancerous parathyroid tumor.

Cancerous parathyroid tumors tend to produce very high amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Tests may include:

• Serum calcium (levels higher than 14 mg/dL are suspicious)
• Serum PTH (levels that are more than twice than normal may indicate cancer)

Before surgery, you will undergo a special radioactive scan of the parathyroid glands. The scan is called the sestamibi scan. You may also have a neck ultrasound.

References

Phillip K. Pellitteri PK, Sofferman RA, Randolph GW. Surgical Management of Parathyroid Disorders. In: Cummings CW, Flint PW, Haughey BH, et al. (eds).Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby; 2005

Rodgers SE, Lew JI, Solórzano CC. Primary hyperparathyroidism. Curr Opin Oncol. 2008;20:52-58.

Lang B, Lo CY. Parathyroid cancer. Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2006;15:573-584.