A Giant Parathyroid Adenoma Presenting as Coughs and Dyspnea in a Young Woman: A Case Report

A parathyroid adenoma is defined as a benign tumor in the parathyroid glands. A type of parathyroid adenoma is giant parathyroid adenoma that weighs > 3.5 g and has a size of more than 2 cm. A 37-year-old woman presented with coughs and dyspnea without fever, hemoptysis, and weight loss. Examination of the patient revealed a diffusely enlarged thyroid gland and a positive Pemberton's sign. On the CT scan, the hypodense mass in the superior mediastinum was noted with tracheal compression. The resected mass weighed 15 g, and histopathology indicated a giant parathyroid adenoma (GPA). Giant parathyroid adenoma, as a rare cause of hyperparathyroidism, is diagnosed by imaging and laboratory methods. This case showed that the differential diagnosis of GPA is necessary and should be considered. In addition, the main method of treatment for this disease is surgery and removal of the parathyroid adenoma.