Paratyreoideadenomas

Paratyreoideadenomas are benign tumors that develop in the parathyroid glands. These small glands, usually four in number, are located in the neck behind the thyroid gland and are responsible for producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH plays a crucial role in regulating calcium and phosphate levels in the blood. Paratyreoideadenomas are the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism, a condition characterized by excessive PTH production.

The majority of paratyreoideadenomas are solitary, meaning only one gland is affected, and are typically discovered incidentally during medical examinations or investigations for unrelated conditions. Symptoms, when present, are often vague and can include fatigue, bone pain, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal issues, all related to high calcium levels. In some cases, individuals may have no noticeable symptoms. Diagnosis involves blood tests to measure PTH and calcium levels, often followed by imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or sestamibi scan to locate the adenoma.

Surgical removal of the adenoma is the primary treatment for symptomatic paratyreoideadenomas and is often recommended even for asymptomatic cases to prevent future complications. The surgery, typically a minimally invasive parathyroidectomy, has a high success rate in normalizing PTH and calcium levels. After surgery, patients are monitored for calcium levels to ensure they have returned to the normal range. Paratyreoideadenomas are rarely malignant, and recurrence after successful surgery is uncommon.