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Parathyroid adenoma
Hyperparathyroidism - parathryoid adenoma; Overactive parathyroid gland - parathyroid adenoma
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.
Causes
The parathyroid glands in the neck help control calcium use and removal by the body. They do this by producing parathyroid hormone, or PTH. PTH helps control calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and is important for healthy bones.
Parathyroid adenoma can be due to a genetic problem. It may also be caused by radiation to the neck or taking the drug lithium.
Women over age 60 have the highest risk for developing this condition. Radiation to the head or neck also increases risk.
Symptoms
Many people have no symptoms. The condition is often discovered when blood tests are done for another medical reason.
Parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), which leads to an increased blood calcium level. Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Confusion
-
Constipation
Constipation
Constipation in infants and children occurs when they have hard stools or have problems passing stools. A child may have pain while passing stools o...
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Lack of energy (
lethargy
)
Lethargy
Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy.
Read Article Now Book Mark Article - Muscle pain
-
Nausea
or decreased appetite
Nausea
Nausea is feeling an urge to vomit. It is often called "being sick to your stomach. "Vomiting or throwing-up is forcing the contents of the stomach ...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Urinating more often at night
- Weak bones or fractures
Exams and Tests
Blood tests may be done to check levels of:
-
PTH
PTH
The PTH test measures the level of parathyroid hormone in the blood. PTH stands for parathyroid hormone. It is a protein hormone released by the par...
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Calcium
Calcium
The calcium blood test measures the level of calcium in the blood. This article discusses the test to measure the total amount of calcium in your blo...
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Phosphorus
Phosphorus
The phosphorus blood test measures the amount of phosphate in the blood.
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Vitamin D
Vitamin D
The 25-hydroxy vitamin D test is the most accurate way to measure how much vitamin D is in your body. Vitamin D helps control calcium and phosphate l...
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A 24-hour urine test may be done to check for increased calcium in the urine.
Other tests include:
-
Bone density exam
Bone density exam
A bone mineral density (BMD) test measures how much calcium and other types of minerals are in an area of your bone. This test helps your health care...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Kidney ultrasound or CT scan (may show kidney stones)
- Kidney x-rays (may show kidney stones)
-
MRI
MRI
A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...
ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article - Neck ultrasound
- Sestamibi neck scan (to check for swelling of the parathyroid glands)
Treatment
Surgery is the most common treatment, and it often cures the condition. But, some people choose to only have regular checkups with their health care provider if the condition is mild.
To help improve the condition, your provider may ask you to stop taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Women who have gone through menopause may want to discuss treatment with estrogen.
Outlook (Prognosis)
When treated, outlook is generally good.
Possible Complications
Osteoporosis and the increased risk for bone fractures is the most common concern.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease in which bones become fragile and more likely to break (fracture).
Other complications are less common, but may include:
-
Nephrocalcinosis
(calcium deposits in the kidneys that can reduce kidney function)
Nephrocalcinosis
Nephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. It is common in premature babies.
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Osteitis fibrosa cystica
(softened, weak areas in the bones)
Osteitis fibrosa cystica
Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which certain bones become abnormally weak and deformed.
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Complications from surgery include:
- Damage to a nerve that controls your voice
-
Damage to the parathyroid glands, which causes
hypoparathyroidism
(lack of enough parathyroid hormone) and low calcium level
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoparathyroidism is a disorder in which the parathyroid glands in the neck do not produce enough parathyroid hormone (PTH).
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When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
References
Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. Primary hyperparathyroidism. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds. Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 63.
Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 245.
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Endocrine glands - illustration
Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).
Endocrine glands
illustration
-
Parathyroid glands - illustration
The 4 parathyroid glands are located near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland and produce pararthyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balance within the blood and bone by maintaining a balance between the mineral levels in the blood and the bone.
Parathyroid glands
illustration
-
Endocrine glands - illustration
Endocrine glands release hormones (chemical messengers) into the bloodstream to be transported to various organs and tissues throughout the body. For instance, the pancreas secretes insulin, which allows the body to regulate levels of sugar in the blood. The thyroid gets instructions from the pituitary to secrete hormones which determine the pace of chemical activity in the body (the more hormone in the bloodstream, the faster the chemical activity; the less hormone, the slower the activity).
Endocrine glands
illustration
-
Parathyroid glands - illustration
The 4 parathyroid glands are located near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland and produce pararthyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid hormone regulates calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium balance within the blood and bone by maintaining a balance between the mineral levels in the blood and the bone.
Parathyroid glands
illustration
Review Date: 5/2/2016
Reviewed By: Brent Wisse, MD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology & Nutrition, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
