Risk Factors
A risk factor is a characteristic, behavior, or condition that raises the possibility of getting a disease. Here are the risk factors for developing parathyroid cancer:
Hyperparathyroidism-Jaw Tumor Syndrome (HPT-JT)
This syndrome is an inherited genetic condition due to a mutation of the CDC73 gene. It is associated with hyperparathyroidism with either cystic parathyroid benign adenomas or parathyroid cancer (10%-15% incidence). Patients will also have jaw bone tumors (or fibromas), possible kidney cysts, uterine tumors and rarely Wilms tumor.
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Familial Isolated Hyperparathyroidism (FIHP)
FIHP is an inherited genetic condition in which one or more of the parathyroid glands are overactive and produce too much PTH. This condition is usually caused by benign tumors (adenomas) on the parathyroid, and may be associated with an increased risk of developing parathyroid cancer. This is distinguished from JPT-HT and MEN1 syndrome in that there are no other tumors associated.
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Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1 (MEN1) Syndrome
MEN1 is an inherited genetic condition that causes tumors to develop on the pituitary gland, parathyroid gland, and pancreas. Parathyroid cancer has been reported in only a few cases of patients with MEN1.
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Radiation to the Head & Neck
Having been treated with radiation therapy to the head & neck region for another cancer may increase the risk of developing parathyroid cancer.
