RT Journal
A1 van Heerden JA, Weiland LH, ReMine WH, Walls JT, Purnell DC
T1 CAncer of the parathyroid glands
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1979
FD April 1
VO 114
IS 4
SP 475
OP 480
DO 10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370280129019
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.1979.01370280129019
AB • Hyperfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma is a relatively rare endocrine tumor, accounting for approximately 1% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. The diagnosis is suspected when the tumor is large, parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels are high, and a palpable tumor is present in the neck. Patients who have recurrence of hyperparathyroidism several months after surgical treatment should be suspected of having a recurrent or persistent parathyroid carcinoma. At operation, a large invasive tumor is usually found. The fibrous, inflammatory-like reaction is the most characteristic indication of malignancy. Even in tumors with minimal invasiveness, the possibility of a carcinoma should be considered if the tumor has mitotic activity and a monotonous instead of a pleomorphic cellular population. If the surgeon can recognize the possibility of parathyroid malignancy and adequately treat the patient during the initial operation, more gratifying results should be obtained.(Arch Surg 114:475-480, 1979)