© 2005-2012 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). All rights reserved worldwide.
This section has been reviewed and approved by the Cancer.Net Editorial Board, 11/2012
Overview About the parathyroid glands
The parathyroid glands are four small glands located in the neck or upper mediastinum (chest) near the thyroid gland. They are part of the endocrine system. The endocrine system regulates the hormones in the body. Like all parts of the endocrine system, the parathyroid glands play an important role in the body. These glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood.
About parathyroid cancer
Cancer begins when normal cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass called a tumor. A tumor can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous, meaning it can spread to other parts of the body). A parathyroid tumor usually develops in one of the four parathyroid glands.
A parathyroid tumor, whether it is benign or malignant, can cause significant effects because the amount of calcium in the blood rises, resulting in a serious condition called hypercalcemia.
This section covers tumors found in the parathyroid. Learn more about tumors that begin in the thyroid gland in a separate section.
Find out more about basic terms used in this section. Or, choose “Next” (below, right) to continue reading this detailed section. To select a specific topic within this section, use the icon panel located on the right side of your screen.