A risk factor [2] is anything that increases a person’s chance of developing a tumor. Although risk factors often influence the development of a tumor, most do not directly cause the tumor. Some people with several risk factors never develop a tumor, while others with no known risk factors do. However, knowing your risk factors and talking about them with your doctor may help you make more informed lifestyle and health care choices.                     

There are no known causes for most parathyroid tumors. However, the following risk factor may increase a person’s chance of developing a parathyroid tumor:

Family history. A history of parathyroid tumors in a family may raise a person’s risk of developing a parathyroid tumor. A hereditary (inherited) condition known as multiple endocrine neoplasia may raise an individual’s risk for benign parathyroid tumors. For more information, read multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 [3] and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 [4]. No genetic factors have been linked to parathyroid cancer. 

There are no known risk factors for people who do not have a family history of parathyroid tumors.