Diagnostic dilemma in a rare case of nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma at a referral facility in Northern Tanzania

Abstract

Key Clinical Message Rare cancer originating from parathyroid parenchymal cells. Preoperative diagnosis is often difficult. Presents with normal serum levels of calcium and parathyroid hormone. Treated by en bloc resection. Benefits of adjuvant therapy are unclear. Abstract Parathyroid carcinoma is an uncommon endocrine tumor. Its typical presentation is that of primary hyperparathyroidism with elevated serum calcium and parathormone levels. Nonfunctioning carcinoma of the parathyroid gland with normal serum calcium levels is extremely rare. This paper describes a case of nonfunctioning parathyroid carcinoma and brief literature review thereof.

Keywords

• histopathology
• hyperparathyroidism
• nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma
• Tanzania