Parathyroid cancer

What is parathyroid cancer?

Parathyroid cancer starts in cells of a parathyroid gland. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks in our guide to parathyroid cancer.

Risks for parathyroid cancer

Risk factors for parathyroid cancer include multiple endocrine neoplasia and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumour. Learn about parathyroid cancer risk.

Symptoms of parathyroid cancer

Symptoms of parathyroid cancer include fatigue, muscle weakness, increased thirst and urinary problems. Learn about the symptoms of parathyroid cancer.

Diagnosis of parathyroid cancer

Tests to diagnose parathyroid cancer, such as sestamibi scan, are done when symptoms suggest a problem. Learn about diagnosing parathyroid cancer.

Stages of parathyroid cancer

Staging is a way of describing or classifying a cancer based on the extent of cancer in the body. There is no standard staging system for parathyroid cancer because: It is rare. Tumour size and lymph node status at the time of diagnosis are not prognostic factors for this type of cancer.

If parathyroid cancer spreads

Cancer cells have the potential to spread from the parathyroid gland to other parts of the body where they can grow into new tumours. This process is called metastasis. The tumours are also called metastasis (singular) or metastases (plural). Metastases are also called secondary tumours.

Prognosis and survival for parathyroid cancer

People with parathyroid cancer may have questions about their prognosis and survival. Prognosis and survival depend on many factors. Only a doctor familiar with a person’s medical history, type of cancer, stage, characteristics of the cancer, treatments chosen and response to treatment can put all of this information together with survival statistics to arrive at a prognosis.

Treatments for parathyroid cancer

Treatments for parathyroid cancer include surgery, supportive therapy, radiation and chemotherapy. Learn about treatment options for parathyroid cancer.

Supportive care for parathyroid cancer

Supportive care helps people meet the physical, practical, emotional and spiritual challenges of parathyroid cancer. It is an important part of cancer care.

Parathyroid cancer statistics

Cancer statistics tell us how many people in Canada are diagnosed with and die from other endocrine cancers in a certain time frame.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

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