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 |
Template:WikiDoc Sources For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here. Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]
Overview
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) type II is a disease passed down through families, in which one or more of the endocrine glands are overactive or form a tumor. Endocrine glands most commonly involved include adrenal gland, parathyroid gland and thyroid gland.
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?
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is an inherited disorder that causes tumors in the endocrine glands. Genetic mutations of RET gene is speculated to be the cause of the disease.
Who is at highest risk?
- Positive family history
- Multifocal or recurrent neoplasia
- Two or more organ systems tumor involvement
Diagnosis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is detected by gene testing or, when gene testing is unavailable or yields a negative result, by laboratory tests that measure hormone levels. Less often, multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is diagnosed based on an individual's medical and family history.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Thyroid adenoma
Treatment options
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 cannot be cured, but regular testing can detect the problems caused by multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Tumors may grow for many years before serious complications develop.
- Surgery is indicated for thyroid tumors, adrenal tumors and parathyroid tumors.
Where to find medical care for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Prevention
- Screening people with family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 is recommended.
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
- Prognosis of the disease 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