21st Century Adult Cancer Sourcebook: Parathyroid Cancer - Clinical Data for Patients, Families, and Physicians
Edition 1.0 - October 2011
National Cancer Institute
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2011 Progressive Management
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PART ONE
Chapter 1A: Parathyroid Cancer Patient Information
Chapter 2A: Parathyroid Cancer Health Professional
Chapter 3A: Parathyroid Cancer Clinical Trials
PART TWO
Chapter 1B: Levels of Evidence for Adult and Pediatric Cancer Treatment Studies (NCI)
Chapter 2B: Glossary of Clinical Trial Terms
Chapter 3B: Clinical Trials Background Information
Chapter 4B: Cancer Clinical Trials -The Basic Workbook
Chapter 5B: Cancer Clinical Trials - The In-Depth Program
Chapter 6B: Clinical Trials at NIH
Chapter 7B: How To Find A Cancer Treatment Trial: A Ten Step Guide
Chapter 8B: Taking Part in Cancer Treatment Research Studies
Chapter 9B: Cancer Clinical Trials
Chapter 10B: Access to Investigational Drugs
Chapter 12B: Taking Time: Support for People with Cancer
Chapter 13B: Facing Forward - Life After Cancer Treatment
Chapter 14B: Chemotherapy and You
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PART ONE
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Chapter 1A: Parathyroid Cancer Patient Information
Patient Version
Last Modified: 10/03/2011
General Information About Parathyroid Cancer
Key Points for This Section
* Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of a parathyroid gland.
* Having certain inherited disorders can increase the risk of developing parathyroid cancer.
* Possible signs of parathyroid cancer include weakness, feeling tired, and a lump in the neck.
* Tests that examine the neck and blood are used to detect (find) and diagnose parathyroid cancer.
* Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
Parathyroid cancer is a rare disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of a parathyroid gland.
The parathyroid glands are four pea-sized organs found in the neck near the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH or parathormone). PTH helps the body use and store calcium to keep the calcium in the blood at normal levels.
A parathyroid gland may become overactive and make too much PTH, a condition called hyperparathyroidism. Hyperparathyroidism can occur when a benign tumor (noncancer), called an adenoma, forms on one of the parathyroid glands, and causes it to grow and become overactive. Sometimes hyperparathyroidism can be caused by parathyroid cancer, but this is very rare.
The extra PTH causes:
* The calcium stored in the bones to move into the blood.
* The intestines to absorb more calcium from the food we eat.
This condition is called hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood).
The hypercalcemia caused by hyperparathyroidism is more serious and life-threatening than parathyroid cancer itself and treating hypercalcemia is as important as treating the cancer.
Having certain inherited disorders can increase the risk of developing parathyroid cancer.
Anything that increases the chance of getting a disease is called a risk factor. Risk factors for parathyroid cancer include the following rare disorders that are inherited (passed down from parent to child):
* Familial isolated hyperparathyroidism (FIHP).
* Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) syndrome.
Treatment with radiation therapy may increase the risk of developing a parathyroid adenoma.
Possible signs of parathyroid cancer include weakness, feeling tired, and a lump in the neck.
Most parathyroid cancer symptoms are caused by the hypercalcemia that develops. Symptoms of hypercalcemia include the following:
* Weakness.
* Feeling very tired.
* Nausea and vomiting.
* Loss of appetite.
* Weight loss for no known reason.
* Being much more thirsty than usual.
* Urinating much more than usual.
* Constipation.
* Trouble thinking clearly.
Other symptoms of parathyroid cancer include the following:
* Pain in the abdomen, side, or back that doesn't go away.
* Pain in the bones.
* A broken bone.
* A lump in the neck.
* Change in voice such as hoarseness.
* Trouble swallowing.
Other conditions may cause the same symptoms as parathyroid cancer. A doctor should be consulted if any of these problems occur.
Tests that examine the neck and blood are used to detect (find) and diagnose parathyroid cancer.
Once blood tests are done and hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed, imaging tests may be done to help find which of the parathyroid glands is overactive. Sometimes the parathyroid glands are hard to find and imaging tests are done to find exactly where they are.
Parathyroid cancer may be hard to diagnose because the cells of a benign parathyroid adenoma and a malignant parathyroid cancer look alike. The patient's symptoms, blood levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone, and characteristics of the tumor are also used to make a diagnosis.
The following tests and procedures may be used:
* Physical exam and history: An exam of the body to check general signs of health, including checking for signs of disease, such as lumps or anything else that seems unusual. A history of the patient’s health habits and past illnesses and treatments will also be taken.
* Blood chemistry studies: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by organs and tissues in the body. An unusual (higher or lower than normal) amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it. To diagnose parathyroid cancer, the sample of blood is checked for its calcium level.
* Parathyroid hormone test: A procedure in which a blood sample is checked to measure the amount of parathyroid hormone released into the blood by the parathyroid glands. A higher than normal amount of parathyroid hormone can be a sign of disease.
* Sestamibi scan: A type of radionuclide scan used to find an overactive parathyroid gland. A small amount of a radioactive substance called technetium 99 is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream to the parathyroid gland. The radioactive substance will collect in the overactive gland and show up brightly on a special camera that detects radioactivity.
* CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
* Ultrasound exam: A procedure in which high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram.
* Angiogram: A procedure to look at blood vessels and the flow of blood. A contrast dye is injected into the blood vessel. As the contrast dye moves through the blood vessel, x-rays are taken to see if there are any blockages.
* Venous sampling: A procedure in which a sample of blood is taken from specific veins and checked to measure the amounts of certain substances released into the blood by nearby organs and tissues. If imaging tests do not show which parathyroid gland is overactive, blood samples may be taken from veins near each parathyroid gland to find which one is making too much PTH.
Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.
The prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options depend on the following:
* Whether the calcium level in the blood can be controlled.
* The stage of the cancer.
* Whether the tumor and the capsule around the tumor can be completely removed by surgery.
* The patient's general health.
Glossary Terms
abdomen (AB-doh-men)
* The area of the body that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs.
adenoma (A-deh-NOH-muh)
* A tumor that is not cancer. It starts in gland-like cells of the epithelial tissue (thin layer of tissue that covers organs, glands, and other structures within the body).
angiogram (AN-jee-oh-gram)
* An x-ray of blood vessels. The person receives an injection of dye to outline the vessels on the x-ray.
appetite (A-peh-tite)
* A desire to satisfy a physical or mental need, such as for food, sex, or adventure.
benign (beh-NINE)
* Not cancerous. Benign tumors may grow larger but do not spread to other parts of the body. Also called nonmalignant.
benign tumor (beh-NINE TOO-mer)
* A growth that is not cancer. It does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body.
blood (blud)
* A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
blood chemistry study (blud KEH-mih-stree STUH-dee)
* A procedure in which a sample of blood is examined to measure the amounts of certain substances made in the body. An abnormal amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that produces it.
blood vessel (blud VEH-sel)
* A tube through which the blood circulates in the body. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins.
calcium (KAL-see-um)
* A mineral needed for healthy teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of disease.
cancer (KAN-ser)
* A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
capsule (KAP-sul)
* In medicine, a sac of tissue and blood vessels that surrounds an organ, joint, or tumor. A capsule is also a form for medicine that is taken by mouth. It usually has a shell made of gelatin with the medicine inside.
cell (sel)
* The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
constipation (KON-stih-PAY-shun)
* A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don’t happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.
contrast material (KON-trast muh-TEER-ee-ul)
* A dye or other substance that helps show abnormal areas inside the body. It is given by injection into a vein, by enema, or by mouth. Contrast material may be used with x-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other imaging tests.
CT scan (… skan)
* A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CAT scan, computed tomography scan, computerized axial tomography scan, and computerized tomography.
diagnosis (DY-ug-NOH-sis)
* The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.
disorder (dis-OR-der)
* In medicine, a disturbance of normal functioning of the mind or body. Disorders may be caused by genetic factors, disease, or trauma.
hormone (HOR-mone)
* One of many chemicals made by glands in the body. Hormones circulate in the bloodstream and control the actions of certain cells or organs. Some hormones can also be made in the laboratory.
hypercalcemia (HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh)
* Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
hyperparathyroidism (HY-per-PAYR-uh-THY-roy-dih-zum)
* A condition in which the parathyroid gland (one of four pea-sized organs found on the thyroid) makes too much parathyroid hormone. This causes a loss of calcium from the bones and an increased level of calcium in the blood. Symptoms include bone pain and kidney problems.
imaging (IH-muh-jing)
* In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as x-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves), and radio waves.
inherited (in-HAYR-ih-ted)
* Transmitted through genes that have been passed from parents to their offspring (children).
injection (in-JEK-shun)
* Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."
intestine (in-TES-tin)
* The long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. The intestine has two parts, the small intestine and the large intestine. Also called bowel.
malignant (muh-LIG-nunt)
* Cancerous. Malignant cells can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 syndrome (MUL-tih-pul EN-doh-krin NEE-oh-PLAY-zhuh ... SIN-drome)
* A rare, inherited disorder that affects the endocrine glands and can cause tumors in the parathyroid and pituitary glands and the pancreas. These tumors are usually benign (not cancer). They cause the glands to secrete high levels of hormones, which can lead to other medical problems, such as kidney stones, fertility problems, and severe ulcers. In some cases, tumors inside the pancreas can become malignant (cancer). Also called MEN1 syndrome, multiple endocrine adenomatosis, and Wermer syndrome.
nausea
* A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
organ (OR-gun)
* A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
parathyroid cancer (PAYR-uh-THY-royd KAN-ser)
* A rare cancer that forms in tissues of one or more of the parathyroid glands (four pea-sized glands in the neck that make parathyroid hormone, which helps the body store and use calcium).
parathyroid gland (PAYR-uh-THY-royd...)
* One of four pea-sized glands found on the surface of the thyroid. The parathyroid hormone made by these glands increases the calcium level in the blood.
parathyroid hormone (PAYR-uh-THY-royd HOR-mone)
* A substance made by the parathyroid gland that helps the body store and use calcium. A higher-than-normal amount of parathyroid hormone causes high levels of calcium in the blood and may be a sign of disease. Also called parathormone, parathyrin, and PTH.
physical examination (FIH-zih-kul eg-ZA-mih-NAY-shun)
* An exam of the body to check for general signs of disease.
prognosis (prog-NO-sis)
* The likely outcome or course of a disease; the chance of recovery or recurrence.
radiation therapy (RAY-dee-AY-shun THAYR-uh-pee)
* The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Also called irradiation and radiotherapy.
radioactive (RAY-dee-oh-AK-tiv)
* Giving off radiation.
radionuclide scanning (RAY-dee-oh-NOO-klide SKAN-ing)
* A procedure that produces pictures (scans) of structures inside the body, including areas where there are cancer cells. Radionuclide scanning is used to diagnose, stage, and monitor disease. A small amount of a radioactive chemical (radionuclide) is injected into a vein or swallowed. Different radionuclides travel through the blood to different organs. A machine with a special camera moves over the person lying on a table and detects the type of radiation given off by the radionuclides. A computer forms an image of the areas where the radionuclide builds up. These areas may contain cancer cells. Also called scintigraphy.
risk factor (... FAK-ter)
* Something that increases the chance of developing a disease. Some examples of risk factors for cancer are age, a family history of certain cancers, use of tobacco products, being exposed to radiation or certain chemicals, infection with certain viruses or bacteria, and certain genetic changes.
scan (skan)
* A picture of structures inside the body. Scans often used in diagnosing, staging, and monitoring disease include liver scans, bone scans, and computed tomography (CT) or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. In liver scanning and bone scanning, radioactive substances that are injected into the bloodstream collect in these organs. A scanner that detects the radiation is used to create pictures. In CT scanning, an x-ray machine linked to a computer is used to produce detailed pictures of organs inside the body. MRI scans use a large magnet connected to a computer to create pictures of areas inside the body.
sonogram (SAH-noh-gram)
* A computer picture of areas inside the body created by bouncing high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs. Also called ultrasonogram.
stage
* The extent of a cancer in the body. Staging is usually based on the size of the tumor, whether lymph nodes contain cancer, and whether the cancer has spread from the original site to other parts of the body.
surgery (SER-juh-ree)
* A procedure to remove or repair a part of the body or to find out whether disease is present. An operation.
symptom (SIMP-tum)
* An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.
thyroid gland (THY-royd...)
* A gland located beneath the larynx (voice box) that makes thyroid hormone and calcitonin. The thyroid gland helps regulate growth and metabolism. Also called thyroid.
tissue (TIH-shoo)
* A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
tumor (TOO-mer)
* An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
ultrasound (UL-truh-SOWND)
* A procedure in which high-energy sound waves are bounced off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echo patterns are shown on the screen of an ultrasound machine, forming a picture of body tissues called a sonogram. Also called ultrasonography.
urine (YOOR-in)
* Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.
vein (vayn)
* A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart from tissues and organs in the body.
venous sampling (VEE-nus...)
* A procedure in which a sample of blood is taken from a certain vein and checked for specific substances released by nearby organs and tissues. A higher than normal amount of a substance can be a sign of disease in the organ or tissue that makes it.
vomit (VAH-mit)
* To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
x-ray (EX-ray)
* A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.
Stages of Parathyroid Cancer
Key Points for This Section
* After parathyroid cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
* There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.
* There is no standard staging process for parathyroid cancer.
After parathyroid cancer has been diagnosed, tests are done to find out if cancer cells have spread to other parts of the body.
The process used to find out if cancer has spread to other parts of the body is called staging. The following imaging tests may be used to determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body such as the lungs, liver, bone, heart, pancreas, or lymph nodes:
* CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are made by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly. This procedure is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
* MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet, radio waves, and a computer to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).
There are three ways that cancer spreads in the body.
The three ways that cancer spreads in the body are:
* Through tissue. Cancer invades the surrounding normal tissue.
* Through the lymph system. Cancer invades the lymph system and travels through the lymph vessels to other places in the body.
* Through the blood. Cancer invades the veins and capillaries and travels through the blood to other places in the body.
When cancer cells break away from the primary (original) tumor and travel through the lymph or blood to other places in the body, another (secondary) tumor may form. This process is called metastasis. The secondary (metastatic) tumor is the same type of cancer as the primary tumor. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the bones, the cancer cells in the bones are actually breast cancer cells. The disease is metastatic breast cancer, not bone cancer.
There is no standard staging process for parathyroid cancer.
Parathyroid cancer is described as either localized or metastatic:
* Localized parathyroid cancer is found in a parathyroid gland and may have spread to nearby tissues.
* Metastatic parathyroid cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bone, sac around the heart, pancreas, or lymph nodes.
Glossary Terms
blood (blud)
* A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
bone cancer (bone KAN-ser)
* Primary bone cancer is cancer that forms in cells of the bone. Some types of primary bone cancer are osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, and chondrosarcoma. Secondary bone cancer is cancer that spreads to the bone from another part of the body (such as the prostate, breast, or lung).
breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
* Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
* A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
capillary (KA-pih-layr-ee)
* The smallest type of blood vessel. A capillary connects an arteriole (small artery) to a venule (small vein) to form a network of blood vessels in almost all parts of the body. The wall of a capillary is thin and leaky, and capillaries are involved in the exchange of fluids and gases between tissues and the blood.
cell (sel)
* The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
contrast material (KON-trast muh-TEER-ee-ul)
* A dye or other substance that helps show abnormal areas inside the body. It is given by injection into a vein, by enema, or by mouth. Contrast material may be used with x-rays, CT scans, MRI, or other imaging tests.
CT scan (… skan)
* A series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. Also called CAT scan, computed tomography scan, computerized axial tomography scan, and computerized tomography.
imaging (IH-muh-jing)
* In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as x-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves), and radio waves.
injection (in-JEK-shun)
* Use of a syringe and needle to push fluids or drugs into the body; often called a "shot."
invasive cancer (in-VAY-siv KAN-ser)
* Cancer that has spread beyond the layer of tissue in which it developed and is growing into surrounding, healthy tissues. Also called infiltrating cancer.
liver (LIH-ver)
* A large organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile.
localized (LOH-kuh-lized)
* Restricted to the site of origin, without evidence of spread.
lung
* One of a pair of organs in the chest that supplies the body with oxygen, and removes carbon dioxide from the body.
lymph (limf)
* The clear fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infections and other diseases. Also called lymphatic fluid.
lymph node (limf node)
* A rounded mass of lymphatic tissue that is surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymph (lymphatic fluid), and they store lymphocytes (white blood cells). They are located along lymphatic vessels. Also called lymph gland.
lymph vessel (limf ...)
* A thin tube that carries lymph (lymphatic fluid) and white blood cells through the lymphatic system. Also called lymphatic vessel.
lymphatic system (lim-FA-tik SIS-tem)
* The tissues and organs that produce, store, and carry white blood cells that fight infections and other diseases. This system includes the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphatic vessels (a network of thin tubes that carry lymph and white blood cells). Lymphatic vessels branch, like blood vessels, into all the tissues of the body.
metastasis (meh-TAS-tuh-sis)
* The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. A tumor formed by cells that have spread is called a “metastatic tumor” or a “metastasis.” The metastatic tumor contains cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural form of metastasis is metastases (meh-TAS-tuh-SEEZ).
metastatic (meh-tuh-STA-tik)
* Having to do with metastasis, which is the spread of cancer from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body.
MRI
* A procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or x-ray. MRI is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called magnetic resonance imaging, NMRI, and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging.
organ (OR-gun)
* A part of the body that performs a specific function. For example, the heart is an organ.
pancreas (PAN-kree-us)
* A glandular organ located in the abdomen. It makes pancreatic juices, which contain enzymes that aid in digestion, and it produces several hormones, including insulin. The pancreas is surrounded by the stomach, intestines, and other organs.
parathyroid cancer (PAYR-uh-THY-royd KAN-ser)
* A rare cancer that forms in tissues of one or more of the parathyroid glands (four pea-sized glands in the neck that make parathyroid hormone, which helps the body store and use calcium).
parathyroid gland (PAYR-uh-THY-royd...)
* One of four pea-sized glands found on the surface of the thyroid. The parathyroid hormone made by these glands increases the calcium level in the blood.
primary tumor (PRY-mayr-ee TOO-mer)
* The original tumor.
staging (STAY-jing)
* Performing exams and tests to learn the extent of the cancer within the body, especially whether the disease has spread from the original site to other parts of the body. It is important to know the stage of the disease in order to plan the best treatment.
tissue (TIH-shoo)
* A group or layer of cells that work together to perform a specific function.
tumor (TOO-mer)
* An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.
vein (vayn)
* A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart from tissues and organs in the body.
x-ray (EX-ray)
* A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.
Recurrent Parathyroid Cancer
Recurrent parathyroid cancer is cancer that has recurred (come back) after it has been treated. More than half of patients have a recurrence. The parathyroid cancer usually recurs between 2 and 5 years after the first surgery, but can recur up to 20 years later. It usually comes back in the tissues or lymph nodes of the neck. High blood calcium levels that appear after treatment may be the first sign of recurrence.
Treatment Option Overview
Key Points for This Section
* There are different types of treatment for patients with parathyroid cancer.
* Treatment includes control of hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) in patients who have an overactive parathyroid gland.
* Four types of standard treatment are used:
* Surgery
* Radiation therapy
* Chemotherapy
* Supportive care
* New types of treatment are being tested in clinical trials.
* Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial.
* Patients can enter clinical trials before, during, or after starting their cancer treatment.
* Follow-up tests may be needed.
There are different types of treatment for patients with parathyroid cancer.
Different types of treatment are available for patients with parathyroid cancer. Some treatments are standard (the currently used treatment), and some are being tested in clinical trials. A treatment clinical trial is a research study meant to help improve current treatments or obtain information on new treatments for patients with cancer. When clinical trials show that a new treatment is better than the standard treatment, the new treatment may become the standard treatment. Patients may want to think about taking part in a clinical trial. Some clinical trials are open only to patients who have not started treatment.