About Parathyroid Cancer
Key Highlights
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Curative intent surgery aimed at removing the primary cancer.Helps normalize dangerously high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia).Can prevent the spread (metastasis) of cancer to other organs.Performed by a specialist (Surgical Oncologist) with expertise in neck anatomy and cancer surgery.May involve a multidisciplinary approach for comprehensive care.
Who is this surgery for?
- Confirmed diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma via biopsy or highly suspicious imaging.
- Severe, symptomatic hypercalcemia that is difficult to manage medically.
- Presence of a palpable neck mass associated with high PTH and calcium levels.
- Evidence of local invasion into surrounding structures (e.g., thyroid, recurrent laryngeal nerve).
- Suspected or confirmed metastasis to regional lymph nodes.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup including blood tests (PTH, calcium), ultrasound, and sestamibi scan.
- Imaging studies like CT or MRI of the neck and chest to assess tumor extent.
- Consultations with an endocrinologist and anesthesiologist.
- Pre-operative management of hypercalcemia with fluids and medications (bisphosphonates, calcimimetics).
- Informed consent discussion detailing the procedure, risks, and alternatives.
- Fasting as instructed by the surgical team, typically from midnight before surgery.
Risks & possible complications
- Damage to the recurrent laryngeal nerve, leading to hoarseness or voice changes.
- Hypoparathyroidism (low calcium levels) requiring lifelong supplementation.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation in the neck.
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Injury to nearby structures like the esophagus or trachea.
- Scar formation or keloids.
- Persistent or recurrent disease if cancer cells remain.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial hospital stay for monitoring calcium levels, pain, and surgical site.
- Blood calcium levels are closely monitored; IV or oral calcium supplements are given if needed.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications.
- Incision care instructions will be provided; the neck may feel stiff and sore.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor calcium, PTH levels, and check for recurrence.
- Voice therapy may be recommended if hoarseness persists.
- A gradual return to normal activities is advised, avoiding heavy lifting initially.
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Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full activity
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering parathyroid cancer in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform parathyroid cancer. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for parathyroid cancer compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 250 Thousand – 700 Thousand | 3-7 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full activity | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 875 Thousand – 2.45 Million | 3-7 days | ~ 2-4 weeks for initial recovery; 6-8 weeks for full activity | Know More |
Karan Verma, a 58-year-old owner of...
Karan Verma, a 58-year-old owner of a small IT consultancy, had always been the stoic provider for his family. Over the past year, he'd been plagued by unrelenting fatigue, bone pain in his hips that he attributed to 'getting old,' and a persistent thirst. A routine check-up revealed alarmingly high calcium levels. Further scans showed a small, hard nodule on his parathyroid gland. His endocrinologist, concerned it was cancerous, referred him to Dr. Sharma, a surgical oncologist. Dr. Sharma explained that parathyroid cancer was rare but aggressive, and a complete surgical removal (parathyroidectomy) was the only curative option. Karan was terrified; cancer was a word that had taken his father. The surgery was complex, taking nearly four hours as Dr. Sharma meticulously removed the tumor and a portion of the surrounding thyroid tissue to ensure clear margins. Post-surgery, Karan struggled with low calcium levels, requiring supplements and careful monitoring. His voice was hoarse for weeks, a nerve side-effect that slowly improved. Six months later, his calcium levels are normal, his bone pain is gone, and scans show no recurrence. Emotionally, the journey shattered his sense of invincibility. Before, he was fearful and withdrawn, burdening his family with his silence. After, though he carries the anxiety of follow-ups, he feels a profound gratitude. He's more present with his family, having faced mortality, and channels his energy into a support group for other cancer patients.
Surgical Oncologists for Parathyroid Cancer
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform parathyroid cancer and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore