[Hyperfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma]

Two cases of parathyroid carcinoma with hyperparathyroidism, a relatively rare endocrine tumor are reported. It accounts for approximately 1-4% of all cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Parathyroid crisis occurred for three times in one case. It is difficult to make an early diagnosis, frequently leading to misdiagnosis and wrong treatment. During operation iatrogenic implant or incomplete resection may occur, resulting in recurrence and repeated operations. It is important to differentiate from hypercalcemia caused by parathyroid adenoma. Neck mass, hypercalcemia usually above 14 mg%, severe decalcification and pathological fractures are characteristic. Fibrosis and inflammatory reaction of the tumor and metastases in the neck lymph nodes are commonly seen at operation. Histologically active tumor cell mitosis, capsular and vascular invasions usually exist. Local recurrences often occur after surgical treatment. If the surgeon can recognized the malignant change and give a curative resection in the initial operation, more gratifying results can be obtained.