Parathyroid cancer

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Parathyroid carcinoma

Symptoms of parathyroid cancer are primarily caused by hypercalcemia (high levels of calcium in the blood), and may affect various parts of the body. They include:

• Bone pain
• Abnormal fractures
• Frequent urination
• Frequent thirst
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Kidney stones

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history.

In about half of all cases, palpation (feeling with hands) can reveal a cancerous parathyroid tumor.

Cancerous parathyroid tumors tend to produce very high amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Tests may include:

• Serum PTH (levels that are more than twice the normal may indicate cancer)
• Serum calcium (levels higher than 14 mg/dL are also suspicious)

Prior to surgery, you will undergo a special radioactive scan of the parathyroid glands. The scan is called the sestamibi scan. You may also have a neck ultrasound.

Review Date: 05/11/2006
Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, M.D., Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.