Parathyroid carcinoma dataset

Parathyroid carcinoma is responsible for only 0.5–2% of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism.¹ The majority of cases of primary hyperparathyroidism are caused by parathyroid adenomas, with most of the remainder being due to parathyroid hyperplasia. It is extremely important to make the diagnosis of carcinoma as the tumour commonly recurs locally, and may later metastasise to regional nodes and distant sites. There may be pre-operative suspicion, with a palpable lump and/or severe hypercalcaemia, or the surgeon may report difficulty in dissection of the gland.

These guidelines describe the core data that should be recorded in the histopathology reports from specimens of parathyroid carcinoma. They should be implemented for the following reasons.

1. They will provide accurate data for cancer registration.
2. They will provide feedback to the surgeon on the completeness of resection.
3. They will potentially allow the selection of patients for future trials of adjuvant therapy.

This document has been devised to include the data required for a careful assessment of a parathyroid specimen. Where possible, it is evidence based. The document has been widely discussed and has been approved by the UK Endocrine Pathology Society and the British Association of Endocrine Surgeons. Panels of specialist and general histopathologists acting on behalf of the College have also reviewed it. We strongly recommend its use as a dataset.