answersLogoWhite

0

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located in the neck or upper mediastinum (chest) near the thyroid gland. They are part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates the hormones in the body. Like all parts of the endocrine system, the parathyroid glands play an important role in the body. These glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood

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, a condition in which 75% patients who are diagnosed die within the next 3 days.

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Can Thyroid cancer spread to the parathyroid gland?

Yes, thyroid cancer can spread to nearby structures including the parathyroid gland. This is known as direct extension of the cancer. It is important to carefully manage and monitor thyroid cancer to prevent such spread and to detect and treat it early if it does occur.


Who does breast cancer mostly affect children adults white blacks Latins etc?

no body


Does the parathyroid affect the memory?

The parathyroid gland primarily regulates calcium levels in the body and does not directly affect memory. However, severe imbalances in calcium levels, such as very high or low levels due to parathyroid disorders, can potentially impact cognitive function and memory.


What hormones does hyperparathyroidism affect?

Hyperparathyroidism uses the hormone parathyroid (PTH).


Why do people have skin cancer?

mostly people get skin cancer because they are mostly in the sun like mostly in the summer


What is the awareness color for endocrine cancer?

Cancer of the endocrine system can be located in the thyroid, pancreas, parathyroid, adrenal, or pituitary glands. The awareness ribbons vary on the location of the cancer. Most are purple, blue, or grey.


What is another name for a parathyroid scan?

A parathyroid scan is sometimes called a parathyroid localization scan or parathyroid scintigraphy.


Parathyroid cancer?

DefinitionParathyroid cancer is a cancerous (malignant) growth in a parathyroid gland.Alternative NamesParathyroid carcinomaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe parathyroid glands are responsible for managing the calcium levels in the body. There are four parathyroid glands, two on top of each lobe of the thyroid gland. They are located at the base of the neck.Parathyroid cancer is an extremely rare type of cancer. Men and women are equally affected. It usually occurs in people older than 30.The cause of parathyroid cancer is unknown. People with multiple endocrine neoplasia type I have an increased risk for this disease. People who had head or neck radiation may also be at increased risk. Such radiation exposure, however, is more likely to cause thyroid cancer.SymptomsSymptoms of parathyroid cancer are primarily caused by high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia), and may affect various parts of the body. They include:Bone painConstipationFatigueFracturesFrequent thirstFrequent urinationKidney stonesMuscle weaknessNauseaPoor appetiteVomitingIt is important to note that only about 1 out of 200 people with primary hyperparathyroidism have parathyroid cancer.Signs and testsParathyroid cancer is extremely hard to diagnose.Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history.In about half of all cases, feeling the neck with the hands (palpation) can reveal a cancerous parathyroid tumor.Cancerous parathyroid tumors tend to produce very high amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Tests may include:Blood calcium(levels higher than 14 mg/dL are suspicious)Blood PTH(levels that are more than twice than normal may indicate cancer)Before surgery, you will undergo a special radioactive scan of the parathyroid glands. The scan is called the sestamibi scan. You may also have a neck ultrasound. These tests are done to confirm which parathyroid gland is abnormal.TreatmentThe following treatments may be used to correct hypercalcemia due to parathyroid cancer:A drug that lowers levels of calcium in the blood (gallium nitrate)A natural hormone produced by the body that helps control calcium levels (calcitonin)Drugs that stop the breakdown and reabsorption of bones into the body, such as pamidronate or etidronate (bisphosphonates)Fluids through a vein (IV fluids)Surgery is the recommended treatment for parathyroid cancer. Very often, it is impossible to know whether a parathyroid tumor is cancerous or not. Your doctor may recommend surgery even without a confirmed diagnosis. Minimally invasive surgery, using smaller cuts, is becoming more common for parathyroid disease.If tests before the surgery can find the suspicious gland, surgery may be done on one side of the neck (unilateral). If it is not possible to find the problem gland before surgery, the surgeon will look at both sides of your neck.Chemotherapy and radiation do not work very well in preventing the cancer from coming back, although radiation can sometimes help reduce the spread of cancer to the bones. Repeated surgeries for cancer that has returned may increase survival rate and reduce the severe effects of hypercalcemia.Expectations (prognosis)Parathyroid cancer is a rare cancer. The tumor is slow growing. Surgery may help extend life even when the cancer spreads.ComplicationsThe cancer may spread (metastasize) to other places in the body, most commonly the lungs and bones.The most serious complication of parathyroid cancer is hypercalcemia. Most deaths from parathyroid cancer occur as a result of severe, difficult to control hypercalcemia, and not the cancer itself.The cancer commonly comes back (recurs). Additional surgeries may be needed. Complications from surgery can include:Hoarseness or voice changes as a result of damage to the nerve that controls the vocal cordsInfection at the site of surgeryLow levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcemia), a potentially life-threatening conditionScarringCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if you feel a lump in your neck or experience symptoms of hypercalcemia. ReferencesBringhurst R, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Hormones and disorders of mineral metabolism. In: Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2008:chap 27.Wysolmerski JJ, Insogna KL. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 266.


How do peaople get lung cancer?

People Mostly get lung cancer by smoking..


Where is parathyroid hormone produced?

parathyroid gland


What is a parathyroid scan used for?

A parathyroid scan is administered when the parathyroid appears to be overactive and a tumor is suspected.


Who is lung cancer mostly found in?

Lung cancer is mostly found in people who smoke a lot and sometimes it is just developed in the lungs