Calcaneal brown tumor with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid carcinoma: an atypical localization.

Brown tumors are one of the characteristics of primary hyperparathyroidism, although, in some cases, they are noted with secondary hyperparathyroidism as well. The authors present a case of a 50-year-old woman with primary hyperparathyroidism caused by parathyroid carcinoma with an unusual location of a brown tumor in the calcaneus. She first presented with pain and swelling over the heel and ankle, and the diagnosis was suspected by radiographs. Biopsy of the calcaneal lesion confirmed a brown tumor. After the parathyroid lesion was removed surgically, her symptoms were relieved. The calcaneal lesion was treated with immobilization of the foot.