Parathyroid carcinoma

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cause of hypercalcemia. It forms in tissues of one or more of the parathyroid glands (four pea-sized glands in the neck that make parathyroid hormone, which helps the body store and use calcium).

It is rare, and much less common than parathyroid adenoma.

It can be difficult to excise.

Signs and Symptoms
Most patients experience moderate to severe hypercalcemia and high parathyroid hormone levels. A large mass in the neck is often seen, and renal and bone abnormalities are common.

Treatment
Parathyroid carcinoma is sometimes diagnosed during surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism. If the surgeon suspects carcinoma based on severity or invasion of surrounding tissues by a firm parathyroid tumor, aggressive excision is performed, including the thyroid and surrounding tissues as necessary.

now agents like calcimimetics are used to lower the calcium level in body to lower the effects of high calcium in blood.

Epidemiology
Parathyroid cancer occurs in midlife at the same rate in men and women. Although the cause is obscure, there is no apparent association with prior neck irradiation. It can be associated with hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome, which is hereditary.