Skip to main content
Fr Donate
  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Parathyroid
  5. What is parathyroid cancer
  6. The parathyroid glands
Print

The parathyroid glands

  1. Home
  2. Cancer information
  3. Cancer types
  4. Parathyroid
  5. What is parathyroid cancer
  6. The parathyroid glands
Print
Last medical review:

There are 4 parathyroid glands that are attached to the back of the thyroid. There are usually 2 glands on each side of the thyroid. Sometimes they are found in different places (called ectopic parathyroid glands), such as elsewhere in the neck or in the chest.

Diagram of the location of the parathyroid glands
Diagram of the location of the parathyroid glands

The parathyroid glands are part of the endocrine system. Parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control the level of calcium in the blood. When blood calcium levels are low, the parathyroid gland releases PTH. This hormone stimulates cells in the bones to break down and release calcium into the blood. It also tells your intestines to absorb more calcium from your food, and it tells your kidneys to hold on to calcium and return it to your blood.

Find out more about the endocrine system and hormones.

Expert review and references

  • Jesse Pasternak, MD, MPH, FRCSC
  • Hadoux J, Lamarca A, Grande E, Baudin E and Berruti A. Neuroendocrine neoplasms of head and neck, genitourinary and gynaecological systems, unknown primaries, parathyroid carcinomas and intrathyroid thymic neoplasms: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. ESMO Open. 2024: 6(10):103664.
  • Fingeret AL. Contemporary Evaluation and Management of Parathyroid Carcinoma. An American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal. 17(1):17—21.
  • McInerney NJ, Moran T, and O'Duffy F. Parathyroid carcinoma: Current management and outcomes – A systematic review. American Journal of Otolaryngology. 44(4):103843.
  • Martini FH, Tallitsch RB, Nath JL. Human Anatomy. 9th ed. New York, NY: Pearson; 2018.

Your trusted source for accurate cancer information

With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.

We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.

Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.

1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2026 Canadian Cancer Society