Parathyroid
What are the parathyroid glands and what do they do?
The parathyroid glands make parathyroid hormone (PTH), a substance that controls the level of calcium in your blood, which is important for the normal functioning of your muscles and nerves. PTH acts on bone cells, the small intestine and the kidneys and causes a rise in the level of calcium in the blood.
There are four parathyroid glands, which are normally each the size of a grain of rice. They are usually located near to the thyroid gland, but are sometimes found elsewhere in the neck or behind the breastbone.
What can go wrong with the parathyroid glands?
If one or more parathyroid gland becomes overactive (known as 'hyperparathyroidism'), too much calcium circulates in the blood. Over time calcium loss from bones leads to the risk of fractures (broken bones) and the high levels of calcium in the blood can damage many organs including blood vessels, the kidneys, stomach, pancreas and possibly the heart.
Hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed with blood tests and a urine test.
Surgery of the parathyroid glands ('parathyroidectomy') may be needed when one or more glands are
- overactive
- cancerous (this is rare).
Treatment of hyperparathyroidism
This involves removing one or more overactive parathyroid glands. If your surgeon is reasonably sure that only one gland is overactive and it can be removed easily, this may be done through a small incision (cut). Over 60% of patients can be treated using this method.
In other cases, where more than one gland is diseased, up to four glands may need to be totally or partially removed.
Overall, surgery can cure approximately 95% or more patients with hyperparathyroidism.
Parathyroid cancer is rare and may require a further operation to assure clearance of the disease.
What are the risks associated with parathyroid surgery?
As with any operation, there is a risk associated with having a general anaesthetic.
The specific surgical risks of each procedure will be discussed with you by your surgeon who will be happy to talk about his personal experience and results.
Are there any alternatives to this treatment?
This will depend upon your existing medical condition. Your doctor will discuss the options with you if appropriate.