Parathyroid Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

Parathyroid cancer is a relatively uncommon form of endocrine cancer that occurs in the parathyroid glands. These small, pea-sized glands are located in the neck and help regulate calcium levels in the body.

Calcium supports bone strength and many essential body functions, so changes in parathyroid hormone levels can affect how you feel. Parathyroid cancer develops when cells in one of these glands become cancerous.

Because this condition is rare, many people have never heard of it before diagnosis. Understanding the basics can help you feel more prepared for conversations with your care team.

Causes and Risk Factors of Parathyroid Cancer

In many cases, the exact cause of parathyroid cancer is not known. Researchers have identified several risk factors associated with a higher likelihood of developing this disease.

Possible risk factors include:

• Inherited conditions such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1)
• Hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT)
• A history of radiation therapy to the head or neck (rare; evidence for cancer risk is limited)
• Being over 30 years old

The presence of one or more 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.

If you are concerned about your risk, speaking with a healthcare professional can help you understand your personal history and whether further evaluation is appropriate.

Symptoms of Parathyroid Cancer

Parathyroid cancer symptoms can vary and may overlap with other, more common conditions. In some people, symptoms may be subtle at first.

Possible early symptoms can include:

• Bone pain
• Fatigue or weakness
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Constipation

Parathyroid cancer can elevate blood calcium levels, leading to hypercalcemia (high calcium in the blood). Hypercalcemia can cause fatigue, weakness, frequent urination, increased thirst, and constipation, and may also contribute to kidney stones.

As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may appear:

• Hoarseness or changes in the voice
• Difficulty swallowing
• A lump in the neck
• 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. If you notice persistent or concerning symptoms, seeking medical attention promptly is important.

What are the Stages of Parathyroid Cancer?

The four-stage naming system for cancer is not used for staging parathyroid cancer. Instead, doctors generally describe the disease as localized or metastatic, and they also monitor for recurrence.

Localized disease means the cancer is found in a parathyroid gland and may involve nearby tissues. Metastatic disease means the cancer has spread beyond the parathyroid area—such as to nearby lymph nodes or to distant organs like the liver, lungs, bones, or pancreas.

When cancer reappears after initial treatment, it is known as recurrent cancer. About 40% to 60% of people with parathyroid cancer experience recurrence within two to five years after the initial surgery, which is why ongoing follow-up is essential.

How is Parathyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing parathyroid cancer usually involves several steps. Doctors begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

Common parts of the diagnostic process may include:

• Blood tests to measure calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
• Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, or sestamibi scans
• Additional evaluations to assess whether the cancer has spread

Parathyroid cancer can be difficult to diagnose because benign and malignant parathyroid conditions may appear similar. Doctors use a combination of clinical findings, lab results, and imaging to guide decision-making.

Treatment Options for Parathyroid Cancer

Surgery is the primary treatment for parathyroid cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue, and the specific approach depends on how extensive the disease is.

Treatment approaches you may hear about include:

• Surgery to remove the cancerous gland and affected tissue
• Radiation therapy in selected situations
• Chemotherapy in certain advanced or metastatic cases
• Supportive treatments to manage symptoms

Radiation therapy may be considered in advanced or recurrent cases or when surgery is not an option. 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.

Your treatment plan should be tailored to your individual health condition and discussed in detail with a multidisciplinary medical team.

After Treatment and Support

After treatment, continuous monitoring is important to watch for signs of recurrence. Follow-up care often includes regular examinations and monitoring of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.

After treatment, practical next steps may include:

• Attending scheduled follow-up appointments
• Monitoring calcium and PTH levels as recommended
• Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and adequate rest
• Seeking emotional support when needed

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be both physically and emotionally overwhelming. Support groups, online communities, and mental health professionals can help individuals and caregivers navigate this journey and find coping strategies that work for them.

For any queries or concerns about parathyroid cancer, contact ACTC by calling 352-345-4565 or booking an appointment.