Source: Cancer Resource Room
What is
parathyroid cancer?
 Parathyroid cancer, a very rare
cancer, is a disease in which cancer (malignant)
cells are found in the tissues of the
parathyroid gland. The parathyroid gland
is at the base of the neck, near the thyroid
gland. The parathyroid gland makes a hormone
called parathyroid hormone (PTH), or parathormone,
which helps the body store and use calcium.
Problems with the parathyroid gland are
common and are usually not caused by cancer.
If parathyroid cancer is found, the parathyroid
gland may be making too much PTH. This
causes too much calcium to be found in
the blood. The extra PTH also takes calcium
from the bones, which causes pain in the
bones, kidney problems, and other types
of problems. There are other conditions
that can cause the parathyroid gland to
make too much PTH. It is important for
a doctor to determine what is causing
the extra PTH. Hyperparathyroidism is
a condition which can cause the body to
make extra PTH. If hyperparathyroidism
runs in the family, there is a greater
chance of getting this type of cancer.
What are
the symptoms of parathyroid cancer?
A doctor should be seen if there
are the following symptoms: bone pain,
a lump in the neck, pain in the upper
part of the back, weak muscles, difficulty
speaking, or vomiting.
How
is parathyroid cancer diagnosed?
If there are symptoms, the doctor will
conduct a physical examination and feel
for lumps in the throat. The doctor may
also order blood tests and other tests
to check for cancer or other types of
tumors that may not be cancer (benign
tumors).
The chance of recovery (prognosis) depends
on whether the cancer is just in the parathyroid
gland or has spread to other parts of
the body (stage) and the patient’s
general health.
Read more about Parathyroid
Cancer >>>
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