Specific screening for this type of cancer is generally not done, because parathyroid cancer is so rare. Benign parathyroid disease is common, however, occurring in about 100,000 patients annually in the United States. Methods to search for parathyroid tumors, whether benign or malignant , include measuring the serum calcium levels—commonly performed as part of a chemistry panel—as well as examining the thyroid region for suspicious masses during routine physical examinations.
