Parathyroid disease is a group of conditions involving the parathyroid glands. There are both benign (not cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) types of parathyroid disease.
The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which controls the levels of calcium and phosphorous in the blood.
PTH helps maintain bone health, reduces the risk of kidney stones and preserves kidney function.
Parathyroid gland anatomy
There are four parathyroid glands, all located in the neck near the thyroid. Each gland is typically about the size of a kernel of corn.
Usually, one parathyroid gland is located near each corner of the thyroid. Some people are missing a parathyroid gland or have an extra one. Others have parathyroid glands in unusual locations in the neck or chest, but these glands can still work normally.
Parathyroid disease types
Parathyroid disease occurs when a parathyroid gland makes too much or too little PTH, or when a parathyroid cell mutates and becomes cancerous. The types of parathyroid disease are:
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism means the parathyroid glands are making too much PTH. In most cases, it is caused by an adenoma, which is a benign tumor, on one gland. This causes the gland to produce too much PTH. In about 20% of patients, all four glands are enlarged and producing too much PTH. Too much PTH may cause elevated levels of calcium in the blood, which is called hypercalcemia. This can result in serious problems, including osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and kidney stones.
Parathyroid cancer
Cancer of the parathyroid glands is extremely rare. Sometimes, parathyroid cancer causes hyperparathyroidism. However, less than 1% of people with hyperparathyroidism have parathyroid cancer. Men and women have the same risk for parathyroid cancer, which usually strikes people in their 50s.
Although parathyroid cancer progresses slowly, it often comes back after treatment. The cancer returns at the original site in in the neck. The average time before return is about two and a half years.
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism means the body does not make enough PTH and the calcium level in the blood is too low. This is rare and most commonly occurs after surgery for another condition, such as thyroid surgery.
Parathyroid disease risk factors
A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of developing a particular disease. The risk factors for parathyroid disease include:
- Age and gender: Women over age 50 are at an increased risk of developing hyperparathyroidism.
- Having certain inherited disorders can increase your risk of developing parathyroid cancer. These include familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP) and multiple endocrine neoplasia.
Some cases of parathyroid disease can be passed down from one generation to the next. Genetic counseling may be right for you. Learn more about the risk to you and your family on our genetic testing page.
Learn more about parathyroid disease:
The parathyroid gland is made up of four small glands behind the thyroid gland. Usually, one parathyroid gland is located near each corner of the thyroid. (Click to enlarge.)
Why choose MD Anderson for parathyroid disease treatment?
MD Anderson's Endocrine Center brings together some of the nation's top authorities to treat and diagnose benign (not cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) parathyroid disease.
Parathyroid disease is a rare condition. Our program is one of the few in the nation that specializes in all forms of parathyroid disease. This means we have a level of experience and expertise that help improve your outlook for successful treatment.
Your care is customized by a team of experts from many disciplines, including surgery, medical endocrinology, medical oncology and pathology, as well as a specially trained support staff. They communicate and collaborate closely with each other and with you to ensure the most effective, coordinated care.
We also are constantly researching new and better ways to fight parathyroid disease. This allows us to offer clinical trials of new treatments that might not be available elsewhere.
And at MD Anderson you'll also be surrounded by the strength of one of the nation's largest and most experienced cancer centers. From support groups to counseling to integrative medicine care, we have all the services needed to treat not just the disease, but the whole person.
How we’re improving parathyroid cancer care
Until recently, decades passed with little progress in improving the survival rates of parathyroid cancer patients. But our...
