Parathyroid cancer (patient information)
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Parathyroid cancer |
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Parathyroid cancer On the Web |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]
Overview
- Parathyroid cancer is a rare disorder. The cause of parathyroid cancer has not been identified. The most common symptoms of parathyroid cancer include weight loss, muscle weakness, fractures, constipation, fatigue, and bone pain.
What are the symptoms of parathyroid cancer?
- Symptoms of parathyroid cancer are mainly caused by a high level of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), and may affect different parts of the body. They include:
- Bone pain
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Fractures
- Frequent thirst
- Frequent urination
- Kidney stones
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Poor appetite
- Vomiting
What causes parathyroid cancer?
- The cause of parathyroid cancer has not been identified.
Who is at highest risk?
- Positive family history of the following:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
- Hyperparathyroidism–jaw tumour syndrome
- Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism
Diagnosis
- The following tests may be used to diagnose parathyroid cancer
- Blood calcium
- Blood parathyroid hormone
When to seek urgent medical care?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Parathyroid Cancer
Treatment options
- Treatment of parathyroid cancer includes:
- Intravenous (IV) fluids
- Diuretics
- Antiresorptive agents such as biphosphonates, gallium, or mithramycin
- Calcimimetic agents that directly block secretion of the parathyroid hormone from the gland
- Gallium nitrate is used to reduce the calcium level.
- Calcitonin is used to control the calcium levels.
Where to find medical care for parathyroid cancer?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Parathyroid Cancer
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Prognosis of the parathyroid cancer depends on the stage at which it is diagnosed. Early diagnosis and treatment is associated with better prognosis.
Possible complications
- Metastasis
- Osteoporosis
- Kidney stones
- Fractures
- Hypoparathyroidism from parathyroidectomy