open access

Vol 66, No 2 (2015)
Review paper
Submitted: 2014-05-02
Accepted: 2014-10-27
Published online: 2015-05-01
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Primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid cancer — a diagnostic and management challenge

Anna Dąbrowska, Jerzy Tarach, Agnieszka Zwolak
DOI: 10.5603/EP.2015.0023
·
Pubmed: 25931046
·
Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(2):150-167.

open access

Vol 66, No 2 (2015)
Review Article
Submitted: 2014-05-02
Accepted: 2014-10-27
Published online: 2015-05-01

Abstract

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy and the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It is usually associated with a high rate of local and distant recurrence. Laboratory findings and clinical symptoms may be similar to those in parathyroid adenoma. The histological features of PC may also be non-specific and the affected gland is often indistinguishable from a benign lesion. The proper diagnosis is commonly made months to years later when the disease recurs or metastases are present. Therefore, parathyroid carcinoma still remains a diagnostic and management challenge for many physicians. However, there are some features that, in combination, may help in diagnosis. Surgery still remains the only curative treatment, even in metastatic disease. In advanced, non-operable subjects, managing hypercalcaemia and controlling a tumour are the main goals. Morbidity is caused by hypercalcaemia rather than metastases. A multidisciplinary approach with experienced endocrinologists, pathologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine doctors, oncologists, and surgeons is needed to optimize patient outcome. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (2): 150–167)

Abstract

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare endocrine malignancy and the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It is usually associated with a high rate of local and distant recurrence. Laboratory findings and clinical symptoms may be similar to those in parathyroid adenoma. The histological features of PC may also be non-specific and the affected gland is often indistinguishable from a benign lesion. The proper diagnosis is commonly made months to years later when the disease recurs or metastases are present. Therefore, parathyroid carcinoma still remains a diagnostic and management challenge for many physicians. However, there are some features that, in combination, may help in diagnosis. Surgery still remains the only curative treatment, even in metastatic disease. In advanced, non-operable subjects, managing hypercalcaemia and controlling a tumour are the main goals. Morbidity is caused by hypercalcaemia rather than metastases. A multidisciplinary approach with experienced endocrinologists, pathologists, radiologists, nuclear medicine doctors, oncologists, and surgeons is needed to optimize patient outcome. (Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (2): 150–167)

Get Citation

Keywords

parathyroid cancer; hypercalcaemia; primary hyperparathyroidism

About this article
Title

Primary hyperparathyroidism due to parathyroid cancer — a diagnostic and management challenge

Journal

Endokrynologia Polska

Issue

Vol 66, No 2 (2015)

Article type

Review paper

Pages

150-167

Published online

2015-05-01

Page views

2252

Article views/downloads

4129

DOI

10.5603/EP.2015.0023

Pubmed

25931046

Bibliographic record

Endokrynol Pol 2015;66(2):150-167.

Keywords

parathyroid cancer
hypercalcaemia
primary hyperparathyroidism

Authors

Anna Dąbrowska
Jerzy Tarach
Agnieszka Zwolak

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