Browser does not support script.
Skip to main content
search here
Macmillan and Cancerbackup merged in 2008. Together we provide free, high quality information for people affected by cancer through our publications, website and phone service. Find out more|.
Find out how we produce our information|
This information is about tumours of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are part of the endocrine system, so these tumours are known as endocrine tumours|.
The thyroid gland and the parathyroid glands are part of the endocrine system. Although they are close to each other and have similar names, they have very different functions.
There are four parathyroid glands, which are attached to the thyroid gland in the front of the neck.
The parathyroid glands are small, but their function is very important: they maintain the correct levels of calcium in the body. Calcium plays an essential role in controlling muscle and nerve function.
Position of the parathyroid glands
View a large copy of the position of the parathyroid glands image|
Parathyroid tumours can be non-cancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Most tumours of the parathyroid gland are benign. This information is about the malignant endocrine tumours of the parathyroid glands.
Cancer of the parathyroid gland is extremely rare.
A tumour of the parathyroid gland may cause overproduction of the hormone that controls the level of calcium in the body. The hormone is called parathyroid hormone (PTH) or parathormone.
The exact cause of parathyroid tumours is not fully understood. People affected by a condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia 1 (MEN1)| have an increased risk of developing parathyroid tumours. This is a rare condition that is caused by a faulty gene. It can be passed on from one generation to another (inherited).
Cancer of the parathyroid glands has also been linked to exposure to radiation.
Some people with a parathyroid tumour may feel a lump or swelling in their neck, but this is not common.
If parathyroid hormone is being overproduced, it may cause some of the following signs and symptoms:
Many people with tumours of the parathyroid glands will have no symptoms and some people may only have one or two. These symptoms may also be caused by conditions other than the cancer, but it's important to get them checked.
Your doctor will begin by asking you about your medical history, and any symptoms that you have.
A number of tests will be done. These may include any of the following:
Samples of blood and urine are checked for the presence of certain hormones. A sample of urine may be collected over a 24 hour period. Sometimes it is necessary to fast (not eat) overnight before having certain blood tests.
This scan can show the size and position of the parathyroid glands, and how well they are working. A slightly radioactive substance is injected into a vein in your arm. The scan shows how much of the substance is taken up by the parathyroid glands, and identifies any abnormal areas.
A combination of x-rays and scans will be taken to find where the tumour is, and if it has spread.
This scan uses sound waves to build up a picture of the neck area. Once you are lying comfortably on your back, a gel is spread over your neck. A small device like a microphone, which produces sound waves, is then passed over the area.
A CT scan takes a series of x-rays that build up a three-dimensional picture of the inside of the body. The scan is painless and takes from 10-30 minutes. CT scans use a small amount of radiation, which will be very unlikely to harm you and will not harm anyone you come into contact with. You will be asked not to eat or drink for at least four hours before the scan.
You may be given a drink or injection of a dye, which allows particular areas to be seen more clearly. For a few minutes, this may make you feel hot all over. If you are allergic to iodine or have asthma you could have a more serious reaction to the injection, so it is important to let your doctor know beforehand.
This test is similar to a CT scan but uses magnetism instead of x-rays to build up a detailed picture of areas of your body. Before the scan you may be asked to complete and sign a checklist. This is to make sure that it’s safe for you to have an MRI scan.
Before having the scan, you’ll be asked to remove any metal belongings including jewellery. Some people are given an injection of dye into a vein in the arm. This is called a contrast medium and can help the images from the scan to show up more clearly.
During the test you will be asked to lie very still on a couch inside a long cylinder (tube) for about 30 minutes. It is painless but can be slightly uncomfortable, and some people feel a bit claustrophobic during the scan. It’s also noisy, but you’ll be given earplugs or headphones. You'll be able to hear, and speak to, the person operating the scanner.
This is a new type of scan that is occasionally used for this type of tumour. A PET scan uses low-dose radioactive sugar to measure the activity of cells in different parts of the body. Areas of tumour are usually more active than surrounding tissue, and show up on the scan. If you need a PET scan, you might have to travel to a specialist centre to have one.
A small sample of cells is taken from the tumour to be examined under a microscope. You may have a local or general anaesthetic.
If the tumour is contained in one area (localised) or if there has been only limited spread, surgery| is usually the first choice of treatment. If it is possible to remove the tumour completely, no other treatment may be necessary.
Surgery involves removing all of the parathyroid gland and part or all of the nearest half of the thyroid gland, as well as some surrounding tissue. After the operation the calcium levels in the body can go up and down. Your doctors will monitor your calcium level by taking regular blood tests.
Usually, this type of surgery is done under a general anaesthetic and requires a short stay in hospital.
This is the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. Radiotherapy| can be given after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. It may also be given if your cancer comes back some time after the surgery, or if it has spread to another part of the body.
This uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy| is occasionally used for parathyroid cancer that has come back after initial treatment, or has spread to other parts of the body.
Medicines known as bisphosphonates| can be given to reduce high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).
These medicines are used to reduce overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Research into treatments for parathyroid cancer is ongoing and advances are being made. Cancer specialists use clinical trials| to assess new treatments. Before any trial is allowed to take place it must have been approved by an ethics committee, which checks that the trial is in the interest of patients.
You may be asked to take part in a clinical trial. Your doctor must discuss the treatment with you so that you have a full understanding of the trial and what it involves. You may decide not to take part or to withdraw from a trial at any stage. You will then receive the best standard treatment available.
You may have many different emotions| including anxiety and fear. These are all normal reactions and are part of the process many people go through in trying to come to terms with their illness.
Everyone has their own way of coping with difficult situations; some people find it helpful to talk to family or friends, while others prefer to seek help from people outside their situation. Some people prefer to keep their feelings to themselves. There is no right or wrong way to cope, but help is there if you need it. Our cancer support specialists| can give you information about counselling in your area.
This information has been compiled using information from a number of reliable sources including:
For answers, support or just a chat, call the Macmillan Support Line free (Monday to Friday, 9am-8pm)
If you have any questions about cancer, need support or just want someone to talk to, ask Macmillan.