Primary hyperparathyroidism and laryngeal carcinoma: a cause of associated hypercalcemia

Two cases of laryngeal carcinoma are presented which, upon initial evaluation, were noted to have asymptomatic hypercalcemia with no evidence of bone metastases. Exploration of the parathyroid glands at the time of definitive surgery revealed parathyroid pathology in both cases. Calcium levels returned to normal postoperatively in both cases. We conclude that in patients with head and neck cancer with hypercalcemia and no evidence of bone metastases, parathyroid pathology should be considered. Exploration of the parathyroid glands at the time of definitive surgery or as a separate procedure may prove rewarding.