Giant parathyroid cysts (PCs) are a rare entity and possess a benign clinical course. PCs may be functional or non-functional, depending on the ability of the cyst to secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). The present study reports a rare case of a giant PC in a 56-year-old male who presented to the Affiliated Tumor Hospital, Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou, Henan, China) with a 10-month history of exertional dyspnea, associated with mild dysphagia that had persisted for 3 months. The present study reviews the clinical situation, laboratory examination, radiographic findings, treatment and prognosis of the patient, and provides a brief discussion regarding the associated literature. Giant PCs may manifest with compressive symptoms of the surrounding tissues. The diagnosis of a giant PC is based on increased levels of PTH in the fluid collected during the aspiration of the cyst. Management by surgical excision is recommended for giant PCs that cause local cervical symptoms.
Keywords: mediastinal lesion; non-functioning; parathyroid cyst; parathyroid lesion; surgical excision.