A benign tumour in one or more parathyroid glands (parathyroidism) produces too much parathyroid hormone (primary hyperparathyroidism). This pathology is not uncommon: 25 out of 100,000 people have this disorder.
Increased parathyroid function can also occur outside the parathyroid gland. For example, greatly reduced kidney function and a vitamin D deficiency can also lead to increased function of the parathyroid glands (secondary hyperparathyroidism). In these cases, the cause (which lies outside the parathyroid gland itself) will need to be treated.
Primary hyperthyroidism is usually symptom-free and diagnosis is often made during a routine blood test.
Long-standing and/or significantly increased parathyroid function can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, impaired kidney function, nausea and impaired memory. The diagnosis is confirmed by a blood test. Bring the results of blood samples that have already been taken along with you to the endocrinology consultation. Additional examinations, such as ultrasound, CT and parathyroid scintigraphy will be performed. A bone measurement, spinal column radiology and kidney imaging will also be performed to see if organ damage has already occurred.
After diagnosis, we will discuss the best solution with you. It is possible to opt for surgery in which one or more parathyroid glands are removed by the surgeon. A wait-and-see approach is sometimes adopted if parathyroid function is only slightly increased, without symptoms or complications. If surgery at an advanced age would present too high a risk, drug therapy may be opted for.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information.
