Parathyroid cancer is a rare type of cancerous condition that characterizes the multiplication and uncontrolled growth of malignant cells in the tissues of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized nodules that are located right behind the thyroid gland and together they form an integral part of the endocrine system. The preliminary function of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the amount of calcium circulating in the blood by synthesizing the parathyroid hormone (PTH). In some cases, one or more of the parathyroid glands can produce too much of the parathyroid hormone causing a health aberration called primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT). The excess parathyroid hormone in the blood causes the levels of blood calcium to elevate leading to a condition termed hypercalcemia.
Parathyroid Cancer

Also Read: Thyroid Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Types

Parathyroid cancer can be segregated into 3 main types:

Localized: The cancer cells are limited in the parathyroid gland and some of the surrounding tissues.

Metastatic: The cancer cells have metastasized to the other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, bone or pancreas.

Recurrent: Cancer recurs after the initial treatment which is mainly after surgical removal of the cancerous gland.

Causes

While the preliminary cause of Parathyroid cancer remains undiscovered, some scientific studies state that this type of cancer usually transpires when there is a mutation in the genetic code of the parathyroid gland cells that trigger them to grow and multiply abnormally without dying like the normal ones. These abnormal cells then keep piling up to form tumourous structures that gradually break free from the original site and invade healthy tissues.

Also Read: Oral Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment

Risk Factors

The common risk factors that increase the incidence of Parathyroid cancer comprise rare genetic conditions like Hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour syndrome, Multiple endocrine neoplasia type I (MEN1), and Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP).

Symptoms

The characteristic signs and symptoms of Parathyroid Cancer are those that manifest due to hypercalcemia. These include:

  • Frequent urination (urgency to urinate more often than usual)
  • Being excessively thirsty
  • Insomnia
  • Bone pain
  • Kidney anomalies
  • Stomach pain
  • Not feeling as hungry as usual
  • Malaise
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Muscle aches
  • History of gastroduodenal ulcers
  • Difficulty in speaking
  • The build -up of a lump in the neck
  • Constipation
  • General debility
  • Fatigue
  • Feeling unusually depressed
  • Forgetfulness
  • Loss of memory

Diagnosis And Treatment

If you feel any type of bulge or presence of nodules from outside on the throat region (near Adam’s apple), get it diagnosed by the doctor right away. The doctor usually does a thorough physical analysis and acknowledges the patient’s personal and family medical history and also the history of any radiation exposure. This is usually followed by some diagnostics including:

  • Blood and urine test
  • Blood PTH (parathyroid hormone) test
  • Blood calcium test
  • Biopsy
  • Imaging tests like PET scan, CT scan, MRI scan, X-ray, and SPECT scan

Stages Of Parathyroid Cancer

Stage I:

The tumour is restricted to the topmost layer of the tissues that line the parathyroid gland

Stage II:

At this stage, the malignant nodules are slightly bigger and they have metastasized deeper, into the lymph nodes

Stage III:

The cancerous tumour has grown to about 4 cm in size and has already metastasized into the lymph nodes and to nearby tissues as well

Stage IV:

This is an advanced stage of cancer where the malignant cells have metastasized to distant areas and organs of the body like the oesophagus, lungs, bone, etc.

Treatment

After appropriately staging Parathyroid cancer, and knowing the size, location of the tumour and the condition of the patient, the doctor usually settles upon the best possible way to deal with the tumour to give the patient a better lifestyle. The available treatment options comprise:  

  • Surgery (this procedure includes En bloc resection, Tumor debulking and Metastasectomy)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Chemotherapy
  • Treating hypercalcemia with medications
  • Rehabilitation
  • Palliative care

Prevention

The incidence and recurrence of Parathyroid Cancer can be significantly reduced by incorporating the following preventive measures in the routine:

  • Steering clear of tobacco and smoking (both active and passive)
  • Limiting the consumption of alcohol
  • Following a healthy, well-balanced diet that comprises fresh fruits, vegetables and fluids
  • Incorporating exercises into the daily regimen
  • Maintaining a healthy weight to prevent obesity