Important recent contributions to the literature on parathyroid neoplasia have dealt with advances in the understanding of the molecular genetics, diagnosis, and treatment of these neoplasms. Specific gene loci for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2a have been defined. The specificity and sensitivity of various imaging techniques for patients with these neoplasms have been quantified. Effective nonsurgical therapy with ultrasound-directed transcutaneous ablation of parathyroid neoplasms has been demonstrated. The long-acting somatostatin analogue has been documented to be effective treatment for hyperparathyroidism resulting from neuroendocrine tumors.