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The most common parathyroid gland pathology in primary hyperparathyroidism is parathyroid adenoma, followed by hyperplasia and carcinoma. Adenoma, hyperplasia, and carcinoma have distinct molecular genetic profiles, however, their pathologic features are often overlapping leading to significant diagnostic dilemma, even on permanent sections. Final diagnosis must be arrived at after taking into consideration the abnormal gland, the status of the remaining glands, and the pre- and post-operative blood parathyroid hormone levels. The goal of treatment is achievement of normocalcemia, but recurrences occur in a significant number of patients. Differentiating between different pathologic entities is important in predicting recurrences and choosing the appropriate extent of surgical resection. Several genetic syndromes are associated with primary hyperparathyroidism and include multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN1 and MEN2a), familial isolated hyperparathyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome.

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Correspondence to Manju L. Prasad .

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Prasad, M.L., Khan, A. (2009). Tumors of Parathyroid Gland. In: Khan, A. (eds) Surgical Pathology of Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumors. Current Clinical Pathology. Humana Press. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-396-1_7

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