Parathyroid adenoma

Parathyroid adenoma

Definition:

Parathyroid adenomas are benign (noncancerous) tumors of the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck and help to regulate calcium metabolism.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

This tumor is the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism, which causes elevated levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia). Parathyroid adenomas are generally caused by genetic mutations. Women over 60 are at highest risk. If your head or neck has been exposed to radiation, this can also increase risk.

Symptoms:

Many people have no symptoms and the condition is discovered in the course of treatment for another problem or picked up via tests done as part of a general physical.

Symptoms that may occur include the following:

Signs and tests:

Signs may include:

fractures
renal colic

Tests may show:

elevated serum calcium
low serum phosphorus
elevated intact PTH
elevated serum chloride
low serum bicarbonate
elevated 24-hour urine calcium
low bone mineral density
abnormal X-rays (may show kidney stones)
renal stones on ultrasound or CT
MRI or Tc-thallium neck scan showing enlarged parathyroid

Treatment:

Surgery is the most common treatment. However, many patients with mild hyperparathyroidism are not treated but are monitored for escalation of symptoms. Some postmenopausal women may consider estrogen replacement, which can help relieve symptoms and prevent bone loss.

Expectations (prognosis):

Prognosis is generally good.

Complications:

Complications are less common today. They include advanced renal disease such as nephrocalcinosis and osteitis fibrosa cystica (advanced bone disease). Osteoporosis and the increased risk for bone fractures associated with it is the most common concern.

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you have any signs or symptoms that may be linked to this disorder.

Review Date: 7/29/2002
Reviewed By: Todd T. Brown, M.D., Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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