Diseases

Parathyroid Cancer

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Parathyroid gland: a gland that regulates calcium, located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. The parathyroid gland secretes a hormone called parathormone (or parathyrin) that is critical to calcium and phosphorus metabolism. Although the number of parathyroid glands can vary, most people have four, one above the other on each side.

SYMPTOMS

"bones, stones, and groans" which represented weakened bones, kidney stones, and abdominal pain. In addition, many patients also had "psychic moans and fatigue overtones" which in modicatedod disturbances and fatigue. In extreme cases of severe elevations of blood calcium levels called "hypercalcemic crisis," patients may present in comatose or near-comatose states with organ failure.

CAUSES

Thyroid cells become cancerous when genetic abnormalities cause them to mutate. These abnormalities are often caused by environmental factors (such as radiation exposure). In fewer cases,gene abnormalities may be inherited. But often, it's not understood why they occur.