Parathyroid Cancer

Advanced treatment for parathyroid cancer in San Diego

A smiling middle-aged man drinking coffee in a park represents the full life that can be led after parathyroid cancer treatment.

Advanced treatment for parathyroid cancer in San Diego

Scripps Cancer Center oncologists treat parathyroid cancer with expertise and the most advanced treatment options. Most parathyroid tumors are treated with surgery, and when possible, Scripps surgeons perform minimally invasive surgery that uses small incisions, potentially resulting in shorter hospital stays and a faster recovery.


Our cancer teams personalize treatment to eliminate cancer while maintaining your quality of life. Our multidisciplinary, collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews complex care plans to ensure patients receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.

Parathyroid cancer treatment

Parathyroid cancer is a rare form of cancer in which malignant cells form in the tissues of a parathyroid gland. Parathyroid cancer is a type of endocrine cancer, which means it affects the cells that produce hormones.

Parathyroid cancer surgery

Surgery is the most common treatment for parathyroid cancer. Depending on the stage of the cancer and how far it may have spread, Scripps physicians may use several surgical procedures to treat parathyroid cancer. These include:


  • En bloc resection to remove the parathyroid and possibly remove the lymph nodes, a portion of thyroid glands and other healthy surrounding tissues
  • Tumor debulking to remove as much of the cancerous parathyroid tumor as possible
  • Metastasectomy to remove any cancer that has spread to other organs of the body, such as the lungs


Radiation therapy

Your parathyroid cancer treatment plan also may include radiation therapy. Scripps radiation oncologists use advanced radiation therapy techniques that precisely target tumors while minimizing radiation exposure to nearby healthy tissues and organs.


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy drugs may be used alone or in combination with other treatments to treat parathyroid cancer.

Parathyroid cancer treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats parathyroid cancer at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.

Support groups, services and resources

As leaders in cancer care, we know what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps helps you along every step of your cancer journey.

In support of our patients, survivors, their family members and the community, we host a handful of cancer support groups as well as a range of free workshops and health and wellness events on a number of topics, such as:


  • Nutrition
  • Expressive writing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation


Check the current list of support offerings or contact your oncology social worker or cancer care coordinator.


For info about other cancer support groups in the San Diego community, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:


  • Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
  • Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
  • Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
  • Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
  • Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
  • Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
  • Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
  • Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
  • Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.


For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.