Parathyroid Cancer

Most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are due to benign pathologic condition represented by parathyroid adenomas (up to 85% of patients with PHPT) and multigland hyperplasia (10% –15% of cases).1,2 In comparison to parathyroid adenomas, it has been reported that only 0.5% to 5% of patients with PHPT have parathyroid carcinoma (PC). Considering the prevalence of PHPT, it may be extrapolated that this low percentage could translate to a relatively large number of patients wi th PC. However despite this assumption, the quoted incidence of disease does not seem to match the clinical reality, as the largest series of PC included just few hundred cases managed in the United States during several decades (vide infra).
Source: Surgical Oncology Clinics of North America - Category: Surgery Authors: Source Type: research