Cancer of the Parathyroid, also known as parathyroid cancer, is an extremely rare and aggressive malignant tumor that forms in the tissues of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are small, pea-sized endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck region.
This type of cancer occurs when there is an uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the parathyroid glands. These cells, instead of performing their normal function of regulating the body's calcium levels, divide rapidly and form a tumor. Parathyroid cancer can be either functional or non-functional, with functional tumors producing excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH) leading to hyperparathyroidism, while non-functional tumors do not produce PTH.
Symptoms of cancer of the parathyroid may include persistent hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), which can cause a variety of symptoms like fatigue, weakness, kidney stones, bone pain, and digestive issues. Other signs may include a palpable mass in the neck, voice changes, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, and weight loss.
The exact cause of cancer of the parathyroid is unknown, and it is often diagnosed at advanced stages due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms. Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland(s), along with adjacent lymph nodes to minimize the risk of recurrence. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be utilized as adjunctive therapies, especially in advanced cases. Prognosis for parathyroid cancer is generally poor, with a high likelihood of recurrence and metastasis.
