Parathyroid cancer
Alternative Names
Parathyroid carcinomaTreatment
The following treatments may be used to correct hypercalcemia due to parathyroid cancer:
- A drug that lowers levels of calcium in the blood (gallium nitrate)
- A natural hormone produced by the body that helps control calcium levels (calcitonin)
- Drugs that stop the destruction and reabsorption of bones into the body, such as pamidronate or etidronate (bisphosphonates)
- Fluids through a vein (IV fluids)
Surgery is the recommended treatment for parathyroid cancer. Very often, it is impossible to know whether a parathyroid tumor is cancerous or not. Your doctor may recommend surgery even without a confirmed diagnosis.
If tests before the surgery can find the suspicious gland, surgery may be done on one side of the neck (unilateral). If it is not possible to find the problem gland before surgery, the surgeon will look at both sides of your neck.
Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well in preventing the cancer from coming back, although radiation can sometimes help reduce the spread of cancer to the bones. Repeated surgeries for cancer that has returned may increase survival rate and reduce the severe effects of hypercalcemia.
Minimally invasive surgery, using smaller cuts, is becoming more common for parathyroid disease.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Parathyroid cancer is a rare cancer. The tumor is slow growing. Surgery may help extend life even when the cancer spreads.
Possible Complications
The cancer may spread (metastasize) to other places in the body, most commonly the lungs and bones.
The most serious complication of parathyroid cancer is hypercalcemia. Most deaths from parathyroid cancer occur as a result of severe, difficult-to-control hypercalcemia, and not the cancer itself.
The cancer commonly comes back (recurs). Additional surgeries may be needed. Complications from surgery can include:
- Hoarseness or voice changes as a result of damage to the nerve that controls the vocal cords
- Infection at the site of surgery
- Low levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), a potentially life-threatening condition
- Scarring
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you feel a lump in your neck or experience symptoms of hypercalcemia.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.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by
URAC, also known as the American
Accreditation HealthCare Commission. URAC's accreditation program is
the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and
accountability, verified by independent audit.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2005 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.