Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Establishment of a Simple and Effective Rat Model for Intraoperative Parathyroid Gland Imaging
Published on: August 17, 2022
Parathyroid carcinoma
N Rawat1, N Khetan, D W Williams
1Department of General Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, UK.
Background:
Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare malignancy affecting 0.5-5 per cent of all patients with primary hyperparathyroidism. This article reviews the literature on the pathogenesis, pathology, clinical features, diagnosis and management of parathyroid carcinoma.
Methods:
A Medline search was performed and all relevant English language articles published between 1970 and 2005 were retrieved. The search words included 'parathyroid carcinoma', 'pathology', 'genetics', 'management' and 'radiotherapy'. Secondary references were obtained from key articles.
Results And Conclusion:
The exact aetiology of parathyroid carcinoma remains obscure. Recently, the HRPT2 gene has been implicated in its pathogenesis and may prove to be a genetic target in future. Surgical resection is the accepted 'gold standard'. There is now a growing consensus on the use of adjuvant radiotherapy as it has been shown to provide a survival benefit.
Related Concept Videos
The Parathyroid Glands
Oxyphil cells, whose functions remain elusive, emerge during late puberty, adding a layer of complexity to the parathyroid gland's intricacies. In contrast, principal parathyroid cells undertake a vital role by producing...
Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology
Graves Disease II: Pathophysiology
Hormones and Bone Tissue
Hormones That Influence Osteoblasts and/or Maintain the Matrix
Several hormones are necessary for controlling bone growth and maintaining the bone matrix. The pituitary gland secretes growth hormone (GH), which, as its name implies, controls bone growth. This happens in several ways: first, it triggers chondrocyte...
Hyperthyroidism I: Introduction
Synthesis and Functions of Calcitonin
The exact mechanisms by which calcitonin operates in calcium homeostasis remain elusive, but its significance is evident in several vital...