Cancer Types - Parathyroid Tumors
A parathyroid tumor is a growth inside a parathyroid gland. The parathyroid glands are 4 small glands located in the neck near the thyroid gland. Parathyroid tumors may cause increased levels of parathyroid hormones secreted by the parathyroid glands, leading to increased levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).. Most parathyroid tumors are benign (noncancerous) adenomas. Cancers of the parathyroid are very rare.
If the parathyroid tumor causes symptoms, they may include:
- Aches and pains, especially in the bones
- Kidney problems, including pain in the upper back
- Depression
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Excessive urination
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
The symptoms of a parathyroid tumor may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Specific treatment for a parathyroid tumor will be determined by your physician based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the disease
- Your tolerance of specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the disease
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- Surgery(to remove the tumor)
- External radiation (external beam therapy) - a treatment that precisely sends high levels of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The machine is controlled by the radiation therapist. Since radiation is used to kill cancer cells and to shrink tumors, special shields may be used to protect the tissue surrounding the treatment area. Radiation treatments are painless and usually last a few minutes.
- Chemotherapy - the use of anticancer drugs to treat cancerous cells. In most cases, chemotherapy works by interfering with the cancer cell’s ability to grow or reproduce. Different groups of drugs work in different ways to fight cancer cells. The oncologist will recommend a treatment plan for each individual.
Click here to view the
Online Resources of Cancer Center