Parathyroid adenoma with ectopic intrathymic parathyroid--a case report

We report here a 14 year female who complained of a swelling in left flank, multiple fractures of the left humerus and tibia and a solitary nodule on the left side of the neck. Relevant investigations suggested a parathyroid adenoma. Surgical exploration of the neck was done. The adenoma was excised along with a suprasternal swelling. Histopathological examination confirmed the parathyroid adenoma of the mixed chief and oxyphil type. An incidental finding of an intrathymic parathyroid was also made. This article highlights the significance of detecting ectopic glands in abnormal locations. If undetected, these ectopic rests are subject to neoplastic change. They mimic a variety of neoplasms in these ectopic sites. Immunohistochemistry may aid in resolving this dilemma. They are also subject to functional activity and hence necessitate removal by the surgeon at the first sitting, having detected these abnormally located parathyroid tissues.