Parathyroid Cancer: Pathology and Genetics

Parathyroid carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm derived from the parenchymal cells of the parathyroid glands. The carcinoma probably arise de novo rather than from progression from an adenoma. Parathyroid carcinomas are neoplasms that are frequently sporadic, but they may occasionally be familial. Familial tumors are associated with the hyperparathyroidism-tumor jaw syndrome and are associated with mutations in the CDC73 gene. Familial parathyroid carcinomas may rarely be associated with MEN1 and MEN2 syndromes. Patients with parathyroid carcinomas may present with a neck mass, bone and renal disease associated with markedly elevated serum levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone levels. Estimated survival rates for patients with parathyroid carcinoma are 78%–85% at 5 years and 49%–70% at 10 years.