Parathyroid Glands
The human body has four parathyroid glands that are located at the back surface of the thyroid gland in the lower neck. Each gland weighs about 30 milligrams and is approximately the size of an orange seed. The parathyroid hormone is responsible for maintaining normal levels of calcium in the blood. The hormone signals bones to release some of its calcium into the blood and kidneys to increase the activation of Vitamin D. Prathyroid adenoma is the most common disease affecting the glands. It is a benign tumor with overproduction of the parathyroid hormone that causes an elevated blood calcium level. Parathyroid adenomas can be treated medically, however they are best treated by surgical excision to avoid the common side effects of medical treatments. If left untreated, high levels of parathyroid hormone can lead to chronic bone pains, low mineralization of bones, and fractures.
​
Facts about parathyroid nodules:
​
-
The vast majority of parathyroid tumors are benign, and most arise due to unknown reasons. However, chronic kidney disease is one of the known reasons for parathyroid gland disease.
-
Successful parathyroid surgery can be achieved in more than 95% of cases.
-
Based on a study of more than 2,000 patients, the risk of surgery failure (not finding the parathyroid tumor) is signifiantly lower when surgery is done by an expert surgeon.
-
Some parathyroid adenomas can be removed through a very small incision in the lower neck (minimally invasive parathyroidectomy).