Parathyroid Cancer - Early Signs, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and Treatment Explained

Parathyroid cancer is a very rare type of cancer that begins in the parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located in your neck near the thyroid gland. These glands help control the body's calcium levels by producing a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Although parathyroid cancer accounts for less than 1% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism, it can cause serious health problems. Most people with parathyroid cancer develop very high calcium levels in their blood, a condition known as hypercalcemia, which can be life-threatening if not treated.

Because this cancer is rare and its symptoms often look like other more common conditions, early detection is extremely important. Timely diagnosis and treatment not only improve survival but also help prevent severe complications related to calcium imbalance.

What Are the Types of Parathyroid Cancer?

Doctors usually classify parathyroid cancer into the following types:

• Functional Parathyroid Cancer: This is the most common type, where the tumor produces excess parathyroid hormone, leading to dangerously high calcium levels.
• Non-Functional Parathyroid Cancer: Less common, these tumors do not produce extra hormones but may cause symptoms by pressing on nearby structures in the neck.

What Are the Causes of Parathyroid Cancer?

The exact cause of parathyroid cancer is not fully known. However, researchers believe it may develop due to changes in certain genes that control cell growth. In some cases, the cancer is linked to inherited genetic syndromes. Genetic changes, especially mutations in the CDC73 (also called HRPT2) gene, are strongly linked. MEN1 is rarely associated, but hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome is a major inherited risk factor.

Unlike thyroid cancers, parathyroid cancer is not strongly linked to lifestyle or environmental factors. It is often associated with conditions that affect the parathyroid glands themselves.

What Are the Risk Factors for Parathyroid Cancer?

Certain factors may increase the risk of developing this cancer:

• Genetic syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome.
• History of radiation exposure to the head or neck.
• Family history of parathyroid tumors or endocrine disorders.
• Age and gender -- Parathyroid cancer can occur at any age but is often diagnosed in people in their 40s and 50s. Men and women are equally affected.

What Are the Symptoms of Parathyroid Cancer?

The signs and symptoms of parathyroid cancer are mainly related to high calcium levels (hypercalcemia) in the blood. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent bone pain or fractures.
• Kidney stones or frequent urination.
• Severe fatigue, weakness, or muscle aches.
• Nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
• Constipation and abdominal pain.
• Depression, confusion, or memory problems.
• A noticeable lump in the neck (less common).

In advanced cases, the tumor may invade nearby tissues, causing hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or breathing problems. Some patients may be asymptomatic at diagnosis or present only with a neck lump

How Is Parathyroid Cancer Diagnosed?

Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, doctors use a combination of tests to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood tests: To check calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
• Imaging scans: Such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, or sestamibi scan to locate the tumor.
• Surgical Excision & Pathologic Analysis: Many cases are confirmed after the tumor is removed and examined under a microscope.

Staging of Parathyroid Cancer

Unlike many other cancers, parathyroid cancer does not have a formal staging system because it is so rare. Instead, doctors describe it based on:

• Localized: Tumor is confined to the parathyroid gland.
• Regional spread: Tumor has spread to nearby tissues like the thyroid, muscles, or lymph nodes.
• Distant spread (metastatic): Cancer has spread to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or bones.

Grading is based on how aggressive the cancer cells look under the microscope. These details help guide treatment decisions. Prognosis depends more on complete surgical excision than formal staging.

What Are the Treatment Options for Parathyroid Cancer?

The main treatment for parathyroid cancer is surgery, but other therapies may be recommended depending on the stage.

• Surgery: A parathyroidectomy is the primary treatment. The surgeon removes the parathyroid gland, part of the thyroid gland, surrounding muscles, or lymph nodes -- called en bloc resection.
• Medical Treatment: Medications to control calcium levels, such as cinacalcet, may be prescribed. Chemotherapy is generally not very effective but may be tried in advanced cases. Targeted therapy or immunotherapy is still being studied for parathyroid cancer.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation is not usually effective, but in some cases, it may be used to control recurrence or spread.

What is the Prognosis of Parathyroid Cancer?

The outlook for parathyroid cancer depends on how early it is detected and whether it can be fully removed with surgery. The 5-year survival rate is estimated to be around 80--85%, but this drops if the cancer recurs or spreads. Recurrence is common, often many years after the first surgery. Long-term monitoring is important to check calcium levels and detect recurrence early.

Screening and Prevention of Parathyroid Cancer

There are no standard screening tests for parathyroid cancer because it is so rare. However:

• People with genetic syndromes like MEN1 may need regular monitoring.
• Routine blood calcium and parathyroid hormone tests can help detect problems early.
• Maintaining regular health checks is important for early diagnosis.

For International Patients

People from around the world come to Apollo Hospitals for the treatment of parathyroid cancer. Our international patient services team will guide you all the way from seeking the first virtual connect all the way to treatment in India and then returning home post treatment.

Services include:

• Medical opinions and scheduling
  • Pre-arrival medical review of reports and imaging.
• Travel and logistics
  • Assistance with visa invitation letters, airport transfers, and nearby accommodation options.
  • Dedicated international patient coordinators to guide through each step.
• Language and cultural support
  • Interpreter services in multiple languages.
  • Clear, simple explanations at every stage with written care plans.
• Financial coordination
  • Transparent treatment estimates and packages when possible.
  • Support with international payment methods and insurance coordination.
• Continuity of care
  • Shared records, imaging, and treatment summaries for home doctors.
  • Telemedicine follow-ups for convenience after returning home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the survival rate for parathyroid cancer?
A: The 5-year survival rate is around 80--85% if treated early with surgery. Long-term survival depends on recurrence and calcium control.

2. Can parathyroid cancer be cured?
A: Surgery offers the best chance of cure, especially when the tumor is completely removed in the first operation.

3. What are the side effects of parathyroid cancer treatment?
A: Possible side effects include low calcium levels (hypocalcemia) after surgery, hoarseness, or swallowing difficulties. Medications to control calcium may also have side effects.

4. How long does recovery take after surgery?
A: Most patients recover within 2--3 weeks after surgery, but lifelong monitoring of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels is required.

5. Can parathyroid cancer come back?
A: Yes, recurrence is common and may happen years after treatment. Regular follow-up is essential.

6. Is chemotherapy effective for parathyroid cancer?
A: Chemotherapy has shown very limited benefit and is not considered standard treatment.