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Brown Tumor Treatment in Pune
We treat brown tumor of hyperparathyroidism at Sancheti Hospital’s Ortho Onco Department with expert diagnostic and surgical care.
Overview
A Brown Tumor is not actually a cancer, despite its name. It’s a benign bone condition that develops when the body produces too much parathyroid hormone (PTH) for an extended period. This condition gets its name from the reddish-brown color that appears in the affected bone tissue due to blood deposits and bleeding.
These bone lesions occur when hyperparathyroidism goes untreated for too long. The excess PTH causes rapid bone breakdown, replacing healthy bone with fibrous tissue and giant cells. While Brown Tumors were more common in the past, improved medical screening has made them much rarer today.
Symptoms
Brown Tumor symptoms vary depending on the size and location of the lesion. Some people may not notice any symptoms at all, while others experience significant discomfort and functional problems.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Bone swelling that may or may not be painful
- Facial changes when the jaw bones are affected
- Difficulty chewing if the tumor affects jaw function
- Bone fractures from minor injuries due to weakened bones
- Persistent bone pain throughout the body
- Neurological problems in rare cases when the spine is involved
- Trouble swallowing if large tumors press on throat structures
- Vision problems or bulging eyes if facial bones are affected
Brown Tumors most commonly develop in the ribs, collarbone, shin bone, thigh bone, pelvis, and hands. The jaw bones are also frequently affected, accounting for about 4.5% of all cases.
Causes
Brown Tumors are directly caused by hyperparathyroidism, a condition where the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of PTH. This hormone normally helps regulate calcium and phosphate levels in the body by affecting bones, kidneys, and intestinal absorption.
When PTH levels remain abnormally high for extended periods, it disrupts the body’s calcium balance and accelerates bone breakdown. The excessive bone destruction and rapid tissue replacement eventually leads to Brown Tumor formation.
The underlying hyperparathyroidism can develop through several mechanisms, but the end result is always the same: too much PTH causing destructive changes in bone tissue.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing Brown Tumors:
- Uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism of any type
- Chronic kidney disease requiring long-term dialysis
- Female gender, especially women over 50 years old
- Postmenopausal status due to hormonal changes
- Severe vitamin D deficiency lasting for extended periods
- Limited access to medical care that delays diagnosis and treatment
- Long-standing untreated parathyroid disorders
The longer hyperparathyroidism remains untreated, the higher the risk becomes for developing these bone complications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Brown Tumors requires a comprehensive approach combining blood tests, imaging studies, and sometimes tissue sampling. Because these lesions can look similar to other bone conditions, doctors must be thorough in their evaluation.
Laboratory Tests:
- Parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels – elevated levels confirm hyperparathyroidism
- Serum calcium levels – may be high or low depending on the type of hyperparathyroidism
- Phosphate levels – often altered in parathyroid disorders
- Alkaline phosphatase – elevated levels indicate increased bone activity
Imaging Studies:
- X-rays show bone changes and cystic lesions
- CT scans reveal detailed bone structure and tumor characteristics
- MRI provides soft tissue detail
- Technetium-99m sestamibi scan helps locate overactive parathyroid glands
Tissue Analysis: Sometimes doctors perform a biopsy to examine the bone tissue. However, Brown Tumors don’t have unique microscopic features, so the diagnosis ultimately depends on correlating all test results with the presence of hyperparathyroidism.
Types
Brown Tumors are classified based on the type of hyperparathyroidism that causes them:
Primary Hyperparathyroidism (PHPT):
- Caused by overactive parathyroid glands, usually due to a benign tumor (adenoma)
- Leads to high calcium and low phosphate levels
- Brown Tumors occur in approximately 1.5% to 4.5% of PHPT patients
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (SHPT):
- Develops when parathyroid glands work harder due to low calcium levels
- Often caused by chronic kidney disease or severe vitamin D deficiency
- Results in low calcium, high phosphate, and elevated PTH levels
Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism:
- Occurs when parathyroid glands become permanently overactive
- Develops from long-standing secondary hyperparathyroidism
- Can cause both high calcium and high phosphate levels
Treatment
The primary treatment for Brown Tumors focuses on correcting the underlying hyperparathyroidism. Successfully managing the hormone imbalance often leads to tumor regression without direct bone surgery.
Surgical Treatment:
- Parathyroidectomy – surgical removal of overactive parathyroid glands
- This is the preferred treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism
- Often results in rapid tumor shrinkage within days to months
Medical Management:
- Phosphate binders to control phosphate levels
- Calcitriol (active vitamin D) to regulate calcium and phosphate
- Calcimimetics to reduce PTH production
- Calcium supplements may be needed after surgery
Direct Tumor Surgery: In some cases, doctors may need to surgically remove the Brown Tumor itself:
- When tumors don’t shrink after treating hyperparathyroidism
- For large lesions causing significant functional problems
- When fractures occur due to bone weakness
- For tumors in critical locations affecting vision or neurological function
Complications
Although Brown Tumors are benign, they can cause serious complications:
- Pathological fractures – bones break with minimal trauma
- Facial deformities when jaw bones are affected
- Functional impairment – difficulty chewing, speaking, or moving
- Neurological problems if the spine or skull is involved
- Vision loss in rare cases affecting eye socket bones
- Chronic pain from bone involvement
- Tumor recurrence if hyperparathyroidism isn’t properly controlled
Prevention
Preventing Brown Tumors centers on early detection and treatment of hyperparathyroidism:
- Regular blood tests to monitor calcium levels, especially in high-risk individuals
- Prompt treatment of chronic kidney disease and vitamin D deficiency
- Healthcare provider awareness across multiple specialties
- Patient education about medication adherence and follow-up care
Routine screening in patients with known risk factors
Living With Brown Tumor
Managing Brown Tumors requires ongoing medical care and monitoring. Since these lesions result from uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism, successful long-term management depends on maintaining normal hormone levels.
After parathyroidectomy or other treatments, patients typically need:
- Regular blood monitoring of PTH, calcium, and phosphate levels
- Bone density testing to assess recovery and detect problems
- Follow-up imaging to track tumor regression
- Symptom management for any remaining discomfort
- Medication adherence as prescribed by healthcare providers
- Nutritional support with appropriate calcium and vitamin D
The outlook for Brown Tumors is generally excellent once the underlying hyperparathyroidism is effectively treated. Most patients experience significant tumor shrinkage and improved bone health, leading to better quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- Brown Tumors are benign bone lesions caused by uncontrolled hyperparathyroidism, not cancer
- They represent severe bone remodeling due to excessive PTH levels
- Chronic kidney disease is a common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to these lesions
- Early diagnosis and treatment of hyperparathyroidism can prevent Brown Tumor development
- Parathyroidectomy is often the most effective treatment, frequently leading to tumor regression
- Proper management typically results in excellent outcomes and improved quality of life
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand the complexity of bone disorders like Brown Tumors and their connection to hormonal imbalances. Our multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, orthopedic surgeons, and specialized healthcare professionals work together to provide comprehensive care for patients with hyperparathyroidism and related bone complications.
We offer advanced diagnostic capabilities including hormone testing, specialized imaging, and expert surgical interventions like parathyroidectomy when needed. Our commitment to patient education and long-term follow-up care ensures that individuals with Brown Tumors receive the support they need for optimal recovery and prevention of complications.
Through our integrated approach to treatment and rehabilitation, we help patients achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining their quality of life.
Meet Our Ortho Onco Specialist
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for a Brown Tumor to shrink after surgery?
Most Brown Tumors begin shrinking within days to weeks after parathyroidectomy. Complete resolution can take several months to a year, depending on the tumor size and location.
Will I need multiple surgeries for Brown Tumor treatment?
Usually no. Most patients only need parathyroidectomy to treat the underlying cause. Direct tumor removal is rarely needed unless the lesion is very large or doesn’t respond to hormone treatment.
Can Brown Tumors come back after treatment?
Brown Tumors rarely return if hyperparathyroidism is successfully treated. However, if parathyroid hormone levels rise again, new tumors could potentially develop.
Are there any dietary restrictions I need to follow?
After treatment, you may need to limit calcium intake temporarily and follow your doctor’s guidance on vitamin D supplements. Your healthcare team will provide specific dietary recommendations based on your blood test results.
