Carcinome parathyroidien

Parathyroid cancer is uncommon and its etiology is largely unknown. It is difficult to diagnose. The preoperative syndrome is unusually severe primary hyperparathyroidism. Intraoperatively, many characteristics of the tumor may be highly suggestive. Confirmation requires pathological analysis of the operative specimens and the diagnosis is strengthened in the presence of associated Shantz and Castelman criteria. Specific immunohistochemical techniques have been shown to be contributive. The diagnosis can be further supported by the clinical course of local recurrence or metastatic spread. Treatment of this tumor is primarly surgical. In some cases, postoperative radiotherapy may improve locoregional control of the tumor. The disease control can be monitored by regula assay of serum calcium and the parathormone. We report a case of parathyroid carcinoma, with special emphasis on the diagnostic modalities of this tumor, its treatment and its prognosis.