About the parathyroid glands
The parathyroid glands are four small glands. They are located near the thyroid gland in the neck or chest, which is also called the upper mediastinum. They are part of the endocrine system. Like all parts of the endocrine system, the parathyroid glands play an important role regulating hormones in the body. These glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
About parathyroid cancer
Cancer begins when healthy cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be cancerous or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. A parathyroid tumor usually develops in one of the four parathyroid glands. The most common treatment for parathyroid tumors is surgery. Radiation therapy is only recommended occasionally in the treatment of parathyroid cancer.
A parathyroid tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, can cause significant effects because the amount of calcium in the blood rises, resulting in a serious condition called hypercalcemia. The doctor may need to treat hypercalcemia quickly if the patient is having life-threatening symptoms.
This section covers tumors found in the parathyroid glands. Learn more about tumors that begin in the thyroid gland in a separate section.
