Parathyromatosis is a rare condition with multiple foci of parathyroid tissue in the neck and mediastinum, somewhat reminiscent of splenosis.
Pathogenesis:
(1) spillage of parathyroid tissue during removal of a parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma (Type 2)
(2) embryologic rests (Type 1)
Most of the reported cases have been in patients with chronic kidney disease, secondary hyperparathyroidism and a parathyroid adenoma.
If the tissue is hyperfunctional, then the foci can cause hyperparathyroidism.
Foci of benign parathyromatosis need to be distinguished from malignant foci (either seedings or metastases).
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Specialty: Hematology Oncology
