Thyroid carcinoma found at parathyroidectomy - Association with parathyroid carcinoma

The authors did a retrospective review of patients who underwent surgery for primary hyperparathyroid disease (PHPT) between 1998 and 2000 in their institution. In 34 patients with PHPT (as indicated by elevated levels of calcium and parathyroid hormones), Tc-99m sestamibi (MIBI) imaging was performed before operation and three (9%) were found to have parathyroid carcinomas. In one patient, the coexistence of parathyroid and papillary thyroid carcinoma was detected. Therefore, in the diagnosis of PHPT, the association between malignant thyroid disease and hyperplastic and neoplastic parathyroid tissue must be considered.