Parathyroid Neoplasms
Parathyroid Neoplasms
Parathyroid neoplasms are abnormal growths in the parathyroid glands that can cause an overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcemia. Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, bone pain or fractures, and kidney stones. Treatment options may involve surgery, radioactive iodine ablation, external beam radiation therapy, or chemotherapy.
Show Medications for Parathyroid Neoplasms
18/05/2026
Updated: 12/06/2026
Parathyroid Neoplasms
Parathyroid neoplasms, also known as parathyroid tumors or hyperparathyroidism, are abnormal growths on the parathyroid glands. These glands are located in the neck and play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the blood.
What to Expect
Parathyroid neoplasms can cause an overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to elevated calcium levels in the blood, also known as hypercalcemia. This condition can lead to a range of symptoms and complications.
Symptoms
- Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels)
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Bone pain or fractures
- Kidney stones
Diagnosis
To diagnose parathyroid neoplasms, your doctor may order the following tests:
- Serum Calcium Level Test: measures the level of calcium in the blood
- Parathyroid Hormone (PTH) Blood Test: measures the level of PTH in the blood
- Thyroid Scan: uses a small amount of radioactive material to create images of the thyroid gland and parathyroid glands
Treatment Options
The standard treatment for parathyroid neoplasms is surgery. However, there are alternative treatments available in some cases:
- Radioactive Iodine Ablation: uses a small amount of radioactive material to destroy the abnormal growth
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
- Chemotherapy: uses medications to kill cancer cells
Risk Factors
If you have any of the following risk factors, you may be more likely to develop parathyroid neoplasms:
- Family history of parathyroid neoplasms
- Previous head and neck radiation therapy
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndrome
- Age > 60 years old
Treatment of Parathyroid Neoplasms
Gold Standard Treatment: Surgery
Surgery is the gold standard treatment for parathyroid neoplasms, offering a definitive cure in most cases. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) and restore normal calcium levels. This can be achieved through various surgical approaches, including:- Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: A less invasive procedure that involves making small incisions to access the affected gland.
- Bilateral neck exploration: A more extensive surgery that involves exploring both sides of the neck to identify and remove any abnormal glands.
Alternative Treatments:Treatment of Parathyroid Neoplasms
Gold Standard Treatment: Surgery
Surgery is the gold standard treatment for parathyroid neoplasms, offering a definitive cure in most cases. The primary goal of surgery is to remove the affected parathyroid gland(s) and restore normal calcium levels. This can be achieved through various surgical approaches, including:
- Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy: A less invasive procedure that involves making small incisions to access the affected gland.
- Bilateral neck exploration: A more extensive surgery that involves exploring both sides of the neck to identify and remove any abnormal glands.
Surgery is typically recommended for patients with symptomatic hyperparathyroidism, those with a high risk of complications from untreated disease, or those who have failed medical therapy.
Alternative Treatments:
In cases where surgery is not feasible or has failed, alternative treatments may be considered. These include:
- Radioactive Iodine Ablation: This treatment involves administering radioactive iodine to selectively destroy abnormal parathyroid tissue.
- External Beam Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells in the affected gland.
- Chemotherapy: While not commonly used for parathyroid neoplasms, chemotherapy may be considered in advanced cases or when other treatments have failed.
These alternative treatments aim to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life, but they are generally less effective than surgery in achieving a cure.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Treatment options may vary depending on individual circumstances, and patients should consult with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for their specific condition.
Causes and Risk Factors of Parathyroid Neoplasms
Risk Factors
Parathyroid neoplasms are influenced by several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
- Family History of Parathyroid Neoplasms: Individuals with a family history of parathyroid neoplasms are at an increased risk of developing this condition. This suggests a possible genetic component to the disease.
- Previous Head and Neck Radiation Therapy: Patients who have undergone radiation therapy in the head and neck region may be at a higher risk of developing parathyroid neoplasms due to the potential damage caused by radiation to the parathyroid glands.
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndrome: MEN syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by the occurrence of multiple endocrine tumors, including parathyroid neoplasms. Individuals with this condition are at an increased risk of developing parathyroid neoplasms.
- Age > 60 Years Old: The risk of developing parathyroid neoplasms increases with age, particularly in individuals over the age of 60 years old.
No Pathogen Type Identified
There is no identified pathogen type associated with parathyroid neoplasms. This suggests that the condition may be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors rather than a specific infectious agent.