Parathyroid cancer (PC) presents clinically as a case of hyperparathyroidism associated with local compression symptoms. The definitive diagnosis of PC is complex as it requires unequivocal criteria of invasion in postoperative biopsy. Given the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis of PC, attempts have been made to address this problem through the search for biomarkers, mainly using immunohistochemistry. Within this theme, the phenomenon of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell markers have been scarcely studied; this could eventually help discriminate between a diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma. On the other hand, identification of oncogenes and tumor suppressing genes, as well as epigenetic markers such as miRNAs, lncRNAs, and circRNAs all play a crucial role in tumorigenesis and have enormous potential as diagnostic tools. Furthermore, proteomic-based and inflammatory markers have also been described as diagnostic aids for this uncommon neoplasm. This review presents a clinical approach to the disease, as well as providing a state-of-the-art analysis of basic biomarkers in diagnosis and future projections in this field.

Palabras clave: fístulas del seno piriforme; anomalías de los arcos branquiales

Luego de esto, debido a su recurrencia global (estructural y/o bioquímica) de hasta 30%³, el paciente es controlado con niveles séricos de tiroglobulina (Tg), siendo un marcador clave para la identificación de recurrencia o persistencia de enfermedad. Niveles bajos de Tg destacan por su alto valor predictivo negativo, asociándose significativamente a ausencia de enfermedad, mientras que altos niveles se asocian a persistencia de enfermedad⁴. La Tg corresponde a un precursor proteico de las hormonas tiroideas, ubicado únicamente en la glándula tiroides. La vida media de la Tg sérica presenta un rango que varía entre uno a seis días⁵, llegando a su nadir en un período de 3 a 4 semanas posterior a la cirugía⁶.

Resumen Deep neck infections (DNIs) are special entities among infectious diseases for their versatility and potential for severe complications. Complex head and neck anatomy often makes early recognition of DNIs challenging, and a high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid any delay in treatment. The diagnosis is made by clinical history, physical examination findings and imaging studies. The treatment consists in securing the airway, intravenous antibiotics and surgical drainage, when needed. To make decisions the surgeon must understand the anatomy of the region, the etiology of infection, appropriate diagnostic tools, and medical and surgical management. This article provides a review of these pertinent topics.

Parathyroid cancer (PC) presents clinically as a case of hyperparathyroidism associated with local compression symptoms. The definitive diagnosis of PC is complex as it requires unequivocal criteria of invasion in postoperative biopsy. Given the difficulty in confirming the diagnosis of PC, attempts have been made to address this problem through the search for biomarkers, mainly using immunohistochemistry. Within this theme, the phenomenon of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cells markers have been scarcely studied; and could eventually help discriminate between a diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma or carcinoma. This review presents a clinical approach to the disease; as well as providing a state of the art analysis of basic biomarkers in diagnosis and future projections in this field.