Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 25, 2026
The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands in the neck, usually located behind the thyroid gland. They make parathyroid hormone, which controls the level of calcium in the blood. The parathyroid glands are most often examined because of a high blood calcium level, a condition called hyperparathyroidism. When a parathyroid gland is removed, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the parathyroid glands. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cancers of the parathyroid
This diagnosis is a cancer that develops in a parathyroid gland. The article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare cancer that develops in a parathyroid gland. This article explains how it is diagnosed and what the details in your pathology report mean.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions parathyroid carcinoma.
Tumors of uncertain potential
This diagnosis describes a parathyroid tumor that has some unusual features but not enough to be called a cancer. It is not a diagnosis of cancer, but its behavior cannot be fully predicted, so it is followed closely. The article explains what this diagnosis means.
An atypical parathyroid tumor is a parathyroid tumor with some features that raise concern but not enough to be called a cancer. This article explains what this diagnosis means and why it is followed closely.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an atypical parathyroid tumor.
Noncancerous tumors and conditions
These diagnoses are noncancerous changes of the parathyroid glands. They are not cancer and are common causes of a high blood calcium level. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous tumor of a parathyroid gland. It is the most common cause of a high blood calcium level. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a parathyroid adenoma.
Enlarged and hypercellular parathyroid gland
An enlarged and hypercellular parathyroid gland is a noncancerous gland that has become bigger and contains more cells than normal. This often involves more than one gland. This article explains what this diagnosis means.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions an enlarged or hypercellular parathyroid gland, or parathyroid hyperplasia.
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