Parathyroid adenoma

Endocrine glands

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).

Definition

A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

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 within the blood and bone.

Parathyroid adenomas can be due to a genetic problem. The most common cause of parathyroid adenoma is hyperparathyroidism, which leads to increased blood calcium levels.

Women over 60 have the highest risk for developing this condition. Radiation to your head or neck also increase your risk.

Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms. The condition is often discovered accidentally when blood tests are done for another medical reason.

Symptoms that may occur include the following:

Signs and tests

Blood tests are done to check the levels of parathyroid hormone, calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and bicarbonate.

A 24-urine test is done to check for increased calcium in the urine.

Other tests include:

  • Bone density exam
  • Kidney x-rays (may show kidney stones)
  • MRI or sestamibi neck scan (may show swelling of the parathyroid glands)
  • Neck ultrasound
  • Kidney ultrasound or CT (may show kidney stones)

Treatment

Surgery is the most common treatment. However, if you have mild hyperparathyroidism, you may just need regular check ups with your doctor.

Estrogen replacement can help relieve symptoms and prevent bone loss in postmenopausal women.

Expectations (prognosis)

The outlook is generally good.

Complications

Osteoporosis and the increased risk for bone fractures is the most common concern.

Other complications are less common, but may include:

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.

References

Wysolmerski JJ. Insogna KL. The Parathyroid Glands, Hypercalcemia, and Hypocalcemia. In: Kronenberg HM, Schlomo M, Polansky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008: chap. 266.

Bringhurst FR, Demay MB, Kronenberg HM. Disorders of Mineral Metabolism. In: Kronenberg HM, Schlomo M, Polansky KS, Larsen PR, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 11th ed. St. Louis, Mo: WB Saunders; 2008: chap. 27.

See also:

  • Disease

    Hyperparathyroidism

    Parathyroid glands

    Hyperparathyroidism is excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) by the parathyroid glands. See also:

  • Disease

    Osteoporosis

    Hip fracture

    Osteoporosis is the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time.

  • Disease

    Hypercalcemia

    Endocrine glands

    Hypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood.

  • Disease

    Osteitis fibrosa

    Bone tumor

    Osteitis fibrosa is a complication of in which the bones turn soft and become deformed.

  • Disease

    Nephrocalcinosis

    Male urinary system

    Nephrocalcinosis is a disorder in which there is excess calcium deposited in the kidneys.

Review date:
August 31, 2010
Reviewed by:
Ari S. Eckman, MD, Chief, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Trinitas Regional Medical Center, Elizabeth, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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