Parathyroid cancer natural history, complications and prognosis

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ammu Susheela, M.D. [2]

Depending on the extent of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, the prognosis may vary. However, the prognosis is generally regarded as good. Common complications of parathyroid cancer include hypercalcemia, metastasis, and death.

Parathyroid cancer typically runs an indolent, albeit tenacious, course because the tumor has a rather low malignant potential.^[1]

• Hypercalcemia
• Metastases to lungs and bones
• Cancer recurrence
• Death

• Parathyroid cancer is a slow growing tumor.^[2]
• Surgery prolongs life in advanced stages and improves prognosis.

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