Parathyroid cancer

Treatment

Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center treats the full range of cancers that can affect endocrine glands, including your parathyroid glands. Our endocrine tumor experts are UW Medicine doctors who also see patients at University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC). They work together closely to provide coordinated, world-class treatment for you.

A diagnosis of cancer can feel overwhelming. We have an experienced, compassionate team ready to help, and we are dedicated to making you well.

Parathyroid cancer expertise at Fred Hutch

Everything you need is here

We have surgeons, endocrinologists, nuclear medicine doctors, pathologists and medical and radiation oncologists who specialize in parathyroid cancer; the most advanced diagnostic, treatment and recovery programs; and extensive support. Few medical centers in the United States have the level of expertise available at Fred Hutch and UWMC.

Pathologist A physician who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. Radiation oncologist A physician who has special training in using radiation to treat cancer.

Parathyroid cancer treatment tailored to you

Combining their knowledge, skills and experience, your specialists recommend a treatment plan to get the best possible results in your individual situation. This collaboration continues through your care. Each month, our surgeons, endocrinologists and pathologists come together at a meeting called the endocrine tumor board at UWMC. They review your case, share their opinions and combine their expertise to ensure you get the best treatment for your disease.

Pathologist A physician who has special training in identifying diseases by studying cells and tissues under a microscope. Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

Team-based approach

We view treatment as a collaborative effort. Your personal team includes more than your parathyroid cancer doctors and nurses. Additional experts who specialize in treating people with cancer will be involved if you need them — experts like a palliative care professional, social worker, dietitian or pharmacist.

Ongoing care and support

During and after treatment, your team continues to provide follow-up care on a schedule tailored to you. The Fred Hutch Survivorship Clinic is also here to help you live your healthiest life as a parathyroid cancer survivor.

Treatment types

Treatment looks different for different people depending on your diagnosis. We tailor your treatment plan to you. Learn more about the treatment types offered at Fred Hutch.

Treatment plan A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A detailed plan with information about a patient’s disease, the goal of treatment, the treatment options for the disease and the possible side effects and expected length of treatment. A treatment plan may also include information about how much the treatment is likely to cost and about regular follow-up care after treatment ends.

Hypercalcemia

Having too much calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia) is a common effect of parathyroid cancer. If you have high blood calcium, this is one of the first things your Fred Hutch team will address. We will provide treatments to reduce your blood calcium and relieve any related symptoms you might have.

Typical treatments include:

Getting intravenous (IV) fluids and taking medicines (diuretics) to help your body excrete calcium through your urine
Taking medicines to keep your body from absorbing calcium from food
Taking medicines to keep your parathyroid from making parathyroid hormone (which controls your blood calcium level)

These are usually short-term treatments, used until doctors can take out your tumor surgically.

Symptom A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. A physical or mental problem that a person experiences that may indicate a disease or condition. Symptoms cannot be seen and do not show up on medical tests. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fatigue, nausea and pain.

Hypercalcemia

Surgery

The most common treatment for parathyroid cancer is surgery to remove all of the parathyroid gland and tumor. Based on the extent of the cancer, surgeons may also need to remove other tissues right around or near the parathyroid. This might include lymph nodes in the area, part of your thyroid gland or muscles in your neck.

Your Fred Hutch team will talk with you in detail about the surgery they recommend for you, why and what to expect. We’re here to help you through the entire process — before, during and after your surgery — including preventing and dealing with any possible side effects.

Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.

Surgery

Radiation therapy

People with parathyroid cancer sometimes have external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT):

After surgery to decrease the chance that the cancer will return
As a main treatment if surgery isn’t possible

If your cancer has spread to other parts of your body, radiation therapy may also be helpful for treating those specific spots.

EBRT aims high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation at your body to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. 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 or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body.

Radiation therapy

People with parathyroid cancer sometimes have external-beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

Chemotherapy

Your doctors may recommend chemotherapy too, mainly to help control cancer if it has spread to other parts of your body. Usually chemotherapy medicines are given by infusion into a vein. Some are taken by mouth in pill form.

Your Fred Hutch team will talk with you about the specific drugs we recommend for you, how you’ll receive them, your treatment schedule and what to expect. We’ll also explain how to take the best possible care of yourself during treatment and after, and we’ll connect you with medical and support resources throughout Fred Hutch.

Chemotherapy Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It may be given alone or with other treatments. Treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Chemotherapy may be given by mouth, injection, infusion or on the skin, depending on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. It may be given alone or with other treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy or biologic therapy. Infusion An injection of medications or fluids into a vein over a period of time.

Chemotherapy

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