| | |
| | ||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
| Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
| Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Definition Return to top
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck.
Causes Return to top
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 Return to top
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:
Exams and Tests Return to top
Blood tests are done to check the levels of calcium, phosphorus, chloride, and bicarbonate.
A 24-urine test is done to check for increased calcium in the urine.
Other tests include:
Treatment Return to top
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.
Outlook (Prognosis) Return to top
The outlook is generally good.
Possible Complications Return to top
Osteoporosis and the increased risk for bone fractures is the most common concern.
Other complications are less common, but may include:
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
References Return to top
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.
Update Date: 7/15/2008 Updated by: Robert Cooper, MD, Endocinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
