All You Need to Know About Parathyroid Cancer

It is a relatively uncommon form of endocrine cancer that occurs in the parathyroid glands, small pea-sized glands located in the neck. These glands play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body, ensuring healthy bones and optimal bodily functions. Parathyroid cancer happens when the parathyroid gland cells undergo malignant changes.   

In this blog post, we will share potential causes, common symptoms, diagnostic methods, and available treatment options for parathyroid cancer to get a comprehensive understanding of this disease. Read on to learn more.  

Causes and Risk Factors for Parathyroid Cancer

1. Genetic mutations 

Certain inherited genetic conditions, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A), and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT), are known risk factors for this cancer.  

2. Radiation exposure

History of exposure to radiation, especially those who have undergone radiation therapy in the head and neck region are at increased risk.  

3. Age

Parathyroid cancer is more common in individuals over 30, with the average age at diagnosis being around 60 years.   

4. Prior history of parathyroid conditions

Individuals with a history of benign parathyroid tumors or hyperparathyroidism are at an increased risk.   

The presence of one or some of these risk factors does not necessarily guarantee that an individual will develop this disease. Similarly, those with no known risk factors can also develop parathyroid cancer.   

Individuals concerned about parathyroid cancer risk factors should consult a healthcare professional at the earliest. In this way, they can get a proper evaluation, receive personalized guidance, and discuss appropriate screening and prevention strategies to minimize the risk.  

Symptoms of Parathyroid Cancer

Parathyroid cancer symptoms vary largely depending on the stage of the disease and there are rarely any noticeable symptoms in the early stage of this disease.  

However, early-stage parathyroid cancer may produce the following symptoms: 

1. Bone pain

Persistent or intermittent bone pain or tenderness, particularly in the back, hips, and joints.   

2. Hypercalcemia

Parathyroid cancer can elevate calcium levels in the blood, leading to hypercalcemia. This condition can produce symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, frequent urination, increased thirst, and constipation.  

3. Kidney stones

Elevated calcium levels in the blood may also lead to the formation of kidney stones.  

In more advanced stage, individuals may experience the following symptoms: 

4. Changes in voice

When this cancer advances, it can potentially affect the nerves that regulate the functions of the vocal cords, leading to hoarseness, voice changes, or difficulty speaking.  

5. Difficulty swallowing

In the advanced stage, parathyroid cancer may create pressure on the nearby organs, contributing to swallowing problems.  

6. Neck mass or enlarged lymph nodes

As cancer progresses, it can manifest as a palpable mass or lump in the neck.   

7. Fatigue and weight loss

Advanced-stage parathyroid cancer can produce common cancer symptoms such as extreme fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.   

Since parathyroid cancer is rare and its symptoms are similar to other more common conditions, it is often challenging to diagnose it in its early stages. Therefore, regular check-ups and routine blood tests are crucial for early detection.  

If individuals have any noticeable symptoms or suspect parathyroid cancer, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention can improve the chances of a better outcome from treatment procedures.   

Diagnosis

A series of medical evaluations and tests are required to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of parathyroid cancer. The following are some common tests included in the diagnostic process:  

• A thorough assessment of a medical history and physical examination   

• Blood tests to measure calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and other related markers   

• Imaging techniques, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or sestamibi scans  

• Biopsy that will finally help confirm the presence of cancer  

Parathyroid Cancer Stages

Staging is done after a confirmed diagnosis to determine the best treatment options. The four-stage naming system for cancer is not used for staging parathyroid cancer. Instead, they categorize this endocrine cancer into three categories:  

1. Localized

At this stage, parathyroid cancer is confined to the parathyroid gland and has not spread to nearby tissues.  

2. Metastatic

This stage indicates that cancer has affected distant body parts, such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bones, or pancreas. Approximately 10% to 30% of total cases are metastatic cancer, commonly affecting the lungs, bones, or liver.  

3. Recurrent

When cancer reappears after initial treatment, typically after surgical removal of the cancerous gland, it is known as recurrent cancer. More than half of people with parathyroid cancer experience recurrence within two to five years after the initial surgery.   

Treatment Options

1. Surgical treatments 

Surgery is the primary treatment for parathyroid cancer, and there are two primary surgical procedures used for this cancer depending on the stage and spread of the disease:  

a. Partial parathyroidectomy 

In early-stage parathyroid cancer, the surgeon may only remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible.  

b. Total parathyroidectomy with neck dissection

In advanced cases, especially when cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues, oncologists may recommend a total parathyroidectomy to remove all the affected glands and nearby lymph nodes.  

2. Non-surgical treatments

a. Radiation therapy

Doctors recommend radiotherapy to destroy cancerous cells or shrink malignant tumors. Radiation therapy is often performed in advanced or recurrent cases or where surgery is not an option.  

Read more: How to Cope with the Side Effects of Radiation Therapy 

b. Chemotherapy

Although chemotherapy is not a usual treatment option for parathyroid cancer, it may be used along with other treatment options in advanced or metastatic cases. Chemotherapy can help manage symptoms and control cancer progression.  

Read more: How to Care for Your Body Post Chemotherapy 

3. Post-treatment management

After treatment, continuous monitoring is crucial to limit the possibility of recurrence. Post-treatment care should include:  

• Regular follow-up examinations for early detection of recurrence or progression  

• Frequent monitoring of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels  

• Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, adequate rest, a balanced diet, and appropriate calcium and vitamin D intake to promote overall well-being  

Work closely with a team of healthcare professionals specializing in parathyroid cancer to determine the most appropriate treatment plan and post-treatment management strategies tailored to individual health conditions and requirements.  

The Bottom Line

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Caregivers should discuss coping strategies with healthcare providers to help individuals navigate and overcome this tough time.   

Support groups or online communities are extremely useful as a medium to connect with others with similar experiences. Besides, individuals can also consult a mental health professional to manage their mental health effectively.  

Coping with any type of cancer diagnosis and treatment is a personal journey, and every individual's experience is unique. Individuals should consult a team of multidisciplinary medical professionals to identify what works best for them and seek the support and resources they need. 

For any queries or concerns about parathyroid cancer, contact ACTC, one of the best cancer centers in Florida that provides personalized cancer care plans.