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]

Overview

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.

Natural History

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

Complications

Hypercalcemia
Metastases to lungs and bones
Cancer recurrence
Death

Prognosis

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

References

↑ Parathyroid cancer. Canadian Cancer Society (2015). http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/parathyroid/parathyroid-cancer/?region=bc Accessed on December 29, 2015
↑ Parathyroid cancer. Cancer.gov (2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/parathyroid/hp Accessed on December 29, 2015

Template:WikiDoc Sources

[1] Parathyroid cancer. Canadian Cancer Society (2015). http://www.cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-type/parathyroid/parathyroid-cancer/?region=bc Accessed on December 29, 2015

[2] Parathyroid cancer. Cancer.gov (2015). http://www.cancer.gov/types/parathyroid/hp Accessed on December 29, 2015

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[2]