Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Parathyroid tumors can be divided into three groups: parathyroid adenoma, atypical parathyroid adenoma and parathyroid carcinoma. Parathyroid carcinoma is the less common one among these. Parathyroid carcinomas account for approximately 0,005% of all cancers and 1% of primary hyperparathyroidism cases. In this study, we wanted to share our experience of parathyroid carcinoma which is not common.

METHODS

Of 375 patients who were operated with pre-diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma in Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital Department of General Surgery between 2008 and 2015; 12 patients whose pathology result could not clearly identify a parathyroid carcinoma and could differentiate a carcinoma from an adenoma were examined retrospectively.

RESULTS

Of the patients; 5 (41,6%) were observed to be male and 7 (58,4%) were observed to be female. Mean age was 54,5 (±8,40) and the age range was between 41 and 68. Mean preoperative calcium value was 12,3(±1,33) mg/dL and the range was between 10,9 and 15,3. The pathology results were as “a parathyroid carcinoma” in 4 patients, “a parathyroid neoplasm” in 4 patients, “a parathyroid neoplasm with undetermined malignant potential” in 3 patients and “malignancy could not be discarded” in 1 patient. Mean follow-up duration of the patients was 61,8 months (±17,05) and the range was between 35 and 96 months. 1 patient received chemotherapy and the same patient died on the month 55 during follow-ups.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

In those with severe preoperative hypocalcemia symptoms, those with a calcium value higher than 14mg/dL, in cases when parathormone level is significantly higher and in cases when parathyroid gland is palpated, parathyroid carcinomas are suspected. For treatment of a parathyroid carcinoma, neck exploration, en-bloc removal of the tumor and ipsilateral lobectomy of thyroid are required. If pathology results are suspicious in regard to malignancy, and then the patient is closely followed-up.