SECONDARY HYPERPARATHYROIDISM AND NONMEDULLARY THYROID-CANCER

Nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is known to occur in association with p rimary hyperparathyroidism. A combination of secondary, uremic, hyperp arathyroidism and nonmedullary thyroid carcinoma is rare and was hithe rto reported in only 12 cases. We report another three patients with t his parathyroid/thyroid disease combination, suggesting that it may re present not merely a coincidence. A number of factors active in second ary hyperparathyroidism may play a role in the induction and/or promot ion of the thyroid cancer; These include parathyroid endocrinopathy, g oiterogenic effect of prolonged hypercalcemia, and uremia. During surg ery on the parathyroid glands, associated thyroid lesions demand speci al considerations.