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Aging, Parathyroid adenomas and Cancer-related outcomes
Alanna Silke1, Rachel K Crowley1
1St. Vincents Endocrinology Department, School of Medicine University College Dublin , Dublin, Ireland.
Endocrine-Related Cancer
|August 5, 2026
Summary
Parathyroid disease, including adenoma and carcinoma, increases with age. Older adults may be undertreated due to concerns about surgery, highlighting a need for more research on age-related parathyroid changes.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Geriatrics
- Oncology
Background:
- Parathyroid disease incidence rises with age, affecting parathyroid adenoma and carcinoma.
- Age-related physiological changes and genetic factors may influence parathyroid adenoma development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review literature on parathyroid disease in aging, focusing on adenoma and carcinoma.
- To explore age-related physiological changes, clinical presentation, and treatment outcomes in older adults.
Main Methods:
- Narrative literature review of parathyroid disease in the context of aging.
- Analysis of studies on age-related parathyroid physiology, clinical approach, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Parathyroid adenoma mechanisms involve gland remodeling, renal decline, and mutations, though evidence is from small studies.
- Older adults may present differently and be undertreated for parathyroid adenoma.
- Limited literature exists on parathyroid carcinoma pathophysiology and outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Aging significantly impacts parathyroid disease development, but large-scale studies are lacking.
- Further research is needed to improve the care of older individuals with parathyroid disease.
- Older adults with parathyroid adenoma may be undertreated, necessitating better surgical suitability assessments.
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