Parathyroid Gland

Parathyroid lesions are relatively uncommon and parathyroid carcinomas are even more rare. Parathyroid nodules can be mistaken for thyroid nodules on imaging, particularly when clinically they are non-functional. Parathyroid adenomas or hyperplastic parathyroid are benign conditions that can be associated with an increase in parathyroid hormone (PTH) secretion. Parathyroid cells share a considerable amount of morphology with thyroid follicular cells. PTH measurement of aspirated material of the suspicious nodule for parathyroid origin can be very helpful in rendering an accurate diagnosis. This chapter discusses cytomorphology of parathyroid lesions, the differential diagnoses, and utility of ancillary studies.