Upper alveolar brown tumor as initial presentation of parathyroid adenoma.

Abstract

Parathyroid adenoma usually presents with the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism. Brown's tumor is the late clinical consequence of untreated hyperparathyroidism and is rarely seen now-a-days due to improved screening biochemical tests. These tumors are characterized by high orthoclastic activity and bone resorption. These are usually located in the pelvis, ribs, clavicles, and extremities. This manuscript highlights a rare presentation of brown's tumor of upper alveolus in a 35-year-old female with a previously undiagnosed case of hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma. Blood analysis depicted high levels of serum calcium and parathyroid hormone. The patient was subjected to selective left lower parathyroidectomy and will receive follow-up to prevent further developments of the disease. Clinicians should be aware of such rare presentation of parathyroid adenomas so that unnecessary extensive surgery of brown's tumor is avoided. This case also highlights the need of detailed work up to arrive at an exact diagnosis and direct surgical intervention to the adenoma rather the secondary manifestation of the disease.