paratyroideacarcinom

Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare and aggressive malignancy of the parathyroid glands. These small glands, typically four in number and located near the thyroid gland in the neck, are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the blood. When parathyroid carcinoma develops, it leads to the overproduction of PTH, causing hypercalcemia.

The symptoms of parathyroid carcinoma are primarily related to severe hypercalcemia. These can include fatigue, weakness, bone pain, kidney stones, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and frequent urination. Patients may also experience a palpable neck mass. The diagnosis is often suspected based on very high PTH levels and extreme hypercalcemia, but it can be challenging to distinguish from benign parathyroid adenomas based solely on imaging. Definitive diagnosis is usually made after surgical removal and pathological examination of the tumor.

Treatment for parathyroid carcinoma typically involves surgical resection of the tumor, including the affected parathyroid gland and potentially surrounding tissues. Due to its aggressive nature, recurrence is common, and metastasis to lymph nodes, lungs, and bone can occur. Management of hypercalcemia is a critical part of treatment. While surgery is the primary therapeutic modality, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be used in advanced or recurrent cases, although their effectiveness is often limited. The prognosis for parathyroid carcinoma is generally poor, with a high rate of morbidity and mortality.