Humeral brown tumor as first presentation of primary hyperparathyroidism caused by ectopic parathyroid adenomas: report of two cases and review of literature.

Two cases of brown tumor of the humerus caused by ectopic parathyroid adenomas were presented, which to our knowledge has not been previously documented in the international literature. There are two highlights in these two cases. First, brown tumors of the long bones may commonly involve femur and tibia, rarely involve humerus in association with primary hyperparathyroidism. Second, ectopic parathyroid adenomas of our patient had an unusual location of this disorder. We explored the role of ultrasound, MIBI scintigraphy as well as FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) in diagnosis of brown tumor especially simultaneously occurrence of ectopic parathyroid adenomas and the importance of a thorough diagnostic work-up. The contemporary diagnosis and treatment options will be emphasized.