Nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma.
OBJECTIVE
Nonfunctional parathyroid carcinoma (PTC) is one of the rarest malignant diseases and only nine cases have been reported during the last 23 years. We present a case of nonfunctioning PTC and review the literature in an effort to provide a better understanding of this rare disorder.


METHODS
One patient with nonfunctioning PTC was presented, detailing the clinical features, histologic findings, diagnosis, and treatment. Together with data from the other nine cases reported last 23 years, the related literature is also reviewed.


RESULTS
The presented case was a 47-year-old man with a 2-month history of an enlarging painless cervical mass followed by a 2-week history of hoarseness. Clinical and laboratory evaluations failed to reveal evidence of hyperparathyroidism. Pathological analysis of the resected tumor disclosed findings consistent with PTC. The nonsecretory state of the tumor was further supported by immunoreactivity for parathyroid hormone in tissue, and normal serum levels of this peptide and calcium preoperatively and postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Most nonfunctional PTC is detected late due to a paucity of symptoms, of which a palpable neck mass is the most common. Patients with nonfunctioning PTC appear to have a poorer prognosis than do those with functioning parathyroid cancers.
Gao
Wen Chao
WC
Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 415 Feng Yang Road, 200003 Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
Ruan
Can Ping
CP
Zhang
Jun Chu
JC
Liu
Hui Min
HM
Xu
Xin Yun
XY
Sun
Yan Ping
YP
Wang
Qiang
Q
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery*