Living with Parathyroid carcinoma
A rare cancer of one of the four parathyroid glands in the neck, usually in adults in their 40s or 50s, often raising blood calcium.
Understanding Parathyroid carcinoma
It usually affects people in their forties or fifties. In about 90 percent of cases, the gland makes too much parathyroid hormone, which raises blood calcium. This can cause kidney stones, bone loss, belly pain, and tiredness. In about 10 percent, hormone levels are normal and symptoms come from the tumor pressing on nearby structures in the neck.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- High parathyroid hormone (hyperparathyroidism)
- Kidney stones
- Thin bones (osteoporosis)
- Extreme thirst
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Trouble swallowing or a hoarse voice
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and hormone specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists); Hormone specialists (endocrinologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD lists this condition as autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of a gene is enough to cause it. It doesn't name a specific gene.
Also known as: adenocarcinoma of parathyroid; adenocarcinoma of parathyroid gland; adenocarcinoma of the parathyroid; adenocarcinoma of the parathyroid gland; carcinoma of parathyroid; carcinoma of parathyroid gland
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Parathyroid carcinoma.
Explore research for Parathyroid carcinoma
Explore actively recruiting Parathyroid carcinoma studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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