Parathyroid carcinoma: a silent presentation

Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in the setting of benign parathyroid adenoma(s). However, it can also rarely be caused by parathyroid malignancy and when it is, the clinical manifestations far supercede the presentation of benign parathyroid adenoma. We report a case of suspected benign parathyroid adenoma induced primary hyperparathyroidism in which pathologic diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma was made. Due to the lack of signs and symptoms, this indicates parathyroid malignancy can be masked clinically as benign adenomas, until a histologic diagnosis can be ascertained.