What is a parathyroid adenoma?
The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands located in the neck near the thyroid. As part of the endocrine system, they secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels throughout the body. Tumors can form inside a parathyroid gland and grow very slowly, impacting the body with over-production of PTH, also called hyperparathyroidism. The vast majority of parathyroid tumors are benign (not cancerous) and called “parathyroid adenoma”. In fact, parathyroid cancer has only been diagnosed in a few hundred cases.
Symptoms and risk factors
What are the signs of a parathyroid tumor?
The following symptoms may indicate the presence of a parathyroid tumor and the resulting hyperparathyroidism:
- Lump or nodule in the neck
- Pain in the bones or upper back
- Fractures
- Kidney stones
- Pancreatitis
- Muscle weakness
- Trouble speaking
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Constipation
- Frequent urination
- Extreme thirst
Who is at risk for developing this type of tumor?
Many people with these tumors have no associated risk factors. However, you may be more likely to develop this type of tumor if you have a family history of parathyroid adenomas or you have an inherited condition, such as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism or multiple endocrine neoplasia, types 1 or 2 (MEN1 or MEN2).
Besides genetics, there are no common characteristics that put people at higher risk for developing parathyroid cancer. However, some patients with parathyroid cancer have already been suffering from parathyroid adenomas or hyperplasia.
Screening and prevention
Can you prevent parathyroid adenoma?
Because we don't know what causes these tumors, there is no way to prevent them. However, you may want to talk to your doctor about any potential risk factors and what you can do about them.
Diagnosis
How is a parathyroid tumor diagnosed?
Parathyroid tumors can be difficult to detect, since symptoms are similar to those of simple hyperparathyroidism. At this time, there are no specific tests for these tumors, but an official diagnosis can emerge with the following:
- Blood or urine tests can detect high levels of calcium or PTH in the body
- Imaging tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or MRIs may help to locate the tumor and determine its size
After a parathyroid tumor diagnosis, you may need other tests, such as a biopsy. During a biopsy, a small tissue sample will be removed for further analysis under a microscope. This can help your healthcare providers gather important information about your tumor, such as whether it is cancerous and if it has spread.
Types of parathyroid tumors
Treatment
How is parathyroid adenoma treated?
At MedStar Health, your treatment will vary based on your tumor type, location, size, and other factors. Because we take a team approach, several specialists will review your condition and collectively determine the best approach for treating your tumor and any related symptoms. Treatment for parathyroid tumors ranges from active surveillance during which your tumor is monitored over time to surgery and other treatment modalities.
Surgery
Surgery is the primary treatment for parathyroid tumors. Called a parathyroidectomy, the procedure typically involves removing the parathyroid tumor through a small incision in the neck. Sometimes the nearby thyroid gland and lymph nodes may also be removed.
In other instances when the entire tumor cannot be completely removed, your surgeon may remove as much as the tumor as possible, which is called tumor debulking.
Non-surgical parathyroid tumor treatments
Unlike other types of cancer, chemotherapy and radiation are not commonly used to treat this type of cancer. However, when parathyroid cancer has metastasized, additional methods and drugs are necessary to help the body excrete excess calcium. These may include:
- Intravenous saline
- Diuretics
- Bisphosphonates
- Gallium nitrate
- Cinacalcet™
Looking for expert care?
With multiple locations throughout the region, patients have access to many of the nation’s renowned cancer specialists offering high-quality care, second opinions, and a chance for better outcomes close to where they live and work. Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of the nation’s comprehensive cancer centers designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI), serves as the research engine allowing patients access to clinical trials that often lead to breakthroughs in cancer care.
Hear from our endocrine surgeons
Our providers
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Endocrine Surgery
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Rebekah Anne Campbell, MD
Endocrine Surgery
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Nancy Marie Carroll, MD
Endocrine Surgery
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Erin A Felger, MD
Endocrine Surgery
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Victoria Lai, MD
Endocrine Surgery
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Jennifer Erica Rosen, MD
Endocrine Surgery
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Our locations
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MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Washington Hospital Center
110 Irving Street, NW Washington, D.C., 20010
MedStar Franklin Square Cancer Center at Loch Raven Campus
5601 Loch Raven Blvd. Russell Morgan Building First Floor Baltimore, MD 21239
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center
9103 Franklin Square Dr. The Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Cancer Institute Suite 220 Baltimore, MD 21237
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Health Bel Air Medical Campus
12 MedStar Blvd. Ste. 180 Bel Air, MD 21015
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital
7501 Surratts Rd. Ste. 101 Clinton, MD 20735
MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
3800 Reservoir Rd. NW Washington, DC 20007
Why choose us
At MedStar Health, our specialists work as a team to treat tumors that affect the endocrine system. Patients choose us because:
Our multidisciplinary approach leads to better outcomes for our patients. Here, your care team involves experts in endocrinology, endocrine surgery, head and neck cancer, pathology, radiology, genetics, and other specialties. Meeting regularly in tumor boards to discuss complex cases, these specialists combine their collective knowledge and experience to determine the treatment options best for your tumor type, overall health, and preferences. Ultimately, our goal is to help you get back to a fulfilling life as safely and quickly as possible.
We make it easy to get the care you need, close-by. With several locations throughout Maryland and Washington, D.C., it's convenient to get highly specialized, coordinated care wherever you see us. At many of our locations, you can meet with both your endocrinologist and the endocrine surgeon under the same roof, sparing you from traveling to additional appointments.
We offer patient-centered care with a full range of services designed to meet your physical, emotional, and other needs. Navigating a tumor or cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and your entire care team is dedicated to helping you fully understand your condition and treatment options. Whatever challenges arise, we're here to guide and support you along the way.
Awards and recognition
Recipient of an Accreditation with Commendation, the highest level of approval, from the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Numerous surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists recognized as "Top Doctors" by both Baltimore Magazine and the Washingtonian
Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
Clinical trials and research
Clinical trials
Clinical trials are safe, research studies that study the safety and effectiveness of new treatments and treatment combinations. We regularly participate in clinical trials when available, and your care team will let you know if you are eligible for a trial that would benefit you.
Research
In collaboration with the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, the only comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute in Washington, D.C. our endocrinologists and cancer doctors continue finding new and better ways to detect, diagnose, and treat endocrine tumors.
Support services
If you have a cancerous parathyroid tumor, you won't have to navigate treatment alone. At MedStar Health, we offer comprehensive and compassionate services to help you cope with your diagnosis and feel supported as you make decisions about treatment.
Learn More About Cancer Support Services
Genetic counseling
A small percentage of these tumors are linked to inherited genetic syndromes. As a result, you may benefit from meeting with a board-certified genetic counselor who can discuss the pros and cons of genetic testing and determine the best way to help manage your risk of developing these tumors.
Learn More About Genetic Counseling
Personalized rehabilitation
If parathyroid cancer affects your mobility, endurance, or quality of life, our cancer rehabilitation experts can help. Our physical and occupational therapists can tailor a therapy plan designed to meet your unique needs and help you move and feel like yourself again after treatment.
Learn More About Cancer Rehabilitation
Survivorship
Follow-up care is crucial to minimizing the chances of recurrence or detecting signs of recurrence early. As part of your individualized survivorship plan, you'll receive a recommended schedule for routine visits and tests to help you stay on top of your health.