Parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located in the neck. Most people have four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland. Although the parathyroid glands are close to the thyroid glands and have a similar name, their function is unrelated to the thyroid. Parathyroid glands control the amount of calcium in your blood and bones. The single major disease of parathyroid glands is over-activity, creating an excess of hormones and causing a calcium imbalance.
Having high calcium in your blood is more dangerous than having high cholesterol. High calcium increases your risk for cardiovascular disease and cancer, due to the buildup of calcium in your arteries.
Parathyroid Conditions
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
An excess of parathyroid hormone in the bloodstream due to over activity of one or more of the body’s four parathyroid glands. This condition occurs when a parathyroid gland grows into a benign tumor.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
The result of low levels of calcium in the body, your parathyroid glands overwork to compensate for the loss of calcium. This condition can be caused by severe calcium deficiency, severe Vitamin D deficiency, or chronic kidney failure.
What to Expect
Diagnosis
Blood tests will be performed to check the calcium level and parathyroid hormone level in your body. Your doctor may repeat the test to confirm the results after a period of fasting (no eating). If you calcium level is high a number of additional diagnostics tests will be performed to rule out possible secondary causes.
MRI, CT, SPECT, or Ultrasound may be used to identify the enlarged parathyroid gland. Additional tests include:
- Bone Mineral Density – X-ray to measure calcium in your bones.
- Urine test – A 24 hour collection of urine to provide information about your kidney functions.
- Kidney Imaging – X-ray or CT scan to determine the presence of kidney stones or other kidney abnormalities.
Treatment – Surgery
Minimally invasive Parathyroid surgery (also known as parathyroidectomy) is a procedure that uses only a ¾ inch incision. The surgery is performed in less time than traditional surgery and requires less recovery time. Most patients are discharged on the same day as surgery. There are multiple parathyroid surgeries. Your surgeon will discuss the different options and recommend the best treatment for you.
Why Choose Us?
Our Otolaryngologist–Head and Neck Surgeons have extensive experience in head and neck surgery are internationally recognized experts in the surgical treatment of thyroid and parathyroid disease. Our state-of-the art health care facility employs the safest surgical techniques, using only the most advanced medical technology.
Next Steps
If you are ready to discuss your surgery needs with our board certified surgeons, request a consultation today. During your consultation your patient care adviser will discuss:
- Your medical history
- Pre and post-operative care
- Potential risks and complications
Parathyroid Surgery FAQ
When is surgery an option?
Surgery is the only curative option for primary hyperparathyroidism. It is recommended in almost all cases of symptomatic hyperparathyroidism and most cases of asymptomatic hyperparathyroidism.
Why did my parathyroid gland grow into a tumor?
Each parathyroid gland is made up of 80,000 parathyroid cells. Occasionally one of these cells will start reproducing itself uncontrollably, creating an oversized gland that develops into a tumor.
Do I have cancer?
In most cases tumors are benign. Hyperparathyroidism is a hormonal problem. In very rare cases, a cancerous tumor is the cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.
8 Comments
Hi
I am the primary caregiver for my 81 yr old father. He has been diagnosed as having hyperparathyroidism. He presents with delusions, severe depression, suicidal thoughts. In the course of his treatment initially a physchiatrist was dealing with him and noticed that his symptoms fluctuated. He ordered a full physiological work up to determine if there was a physical problem. Through this testing it was observed that he had elevated levels of calcium in his blood. Treatment began with calcitronic administered by injection and later by I.v. He responded favourably but still bounces in and out of depression etc. he has lost weight and is not taking fluids. Further tests are being done to determine if there is a growth or not. The hospitalist has told me that the procedure is very risky as general anesthetic problems, nerve damage. can result. I have been reading about Dr. Normans minimally invasive procedure and am curious to know if this is something you do. Also if my father was to be treated at your facility is the procedure covered by B.C. Health care or are there other costs involved? Also what are the wait times and what care would he require in order to get him from Kelowna to your facility? Thank you in advance for a timely response.
I was diagnosed with mild primary hyperparathyroidism in 2008. My calcium and PTH levels have fluctuated over the past (nearly) 5 years. My sestamibi scan was negative so my endicrinologist is monitoring my blood every six months. I now have low vitamin D and B12 and stomach GERD problems. I have read about MIRP but thought it was only available in USA. Is it possible to have this surgery done in Canada so my medical coverage will pay for the surgery? I live in Vancouver.
I have just been told that I will need a total parathyroidectomy with implant because of hyper-parathyroidism due renal disease. I have just started PD and now hemo-dialysis. The surgeon I saw said the incision will be 6″ long on the front of my neck!!!. I am definitely interested i minimally invasive approach, Does BC medical cover the expenses or is there a portion that I would have to pay?
I have been tested and confirmed for hyperparathyroidism through blood work. I have also had several scans, but with no marked results of a tumor (adenoma).
My Endocrinologist has declined to treat my condition since there was no visable proof of an adenoma on any ultrasounds or nuclear medicine tests. I have since requested to see another Endocrinologist through my GP. I am very interested in having a parathyroidectomy done if I cannot receive timely attention through our medical system. Can you please also tell me what costs would be covered by the medical system and what costs I would need to pay?
Thank you very much for your assistance.
I am interested in finding out the cost of parathyroid surgery. I have had above average PTH and calcium since 2004, also my osteoporosis has worsened in spite of taking alendronate.
I am only interested in having the MIRP procedure with a doctor very experienced in the procedure with good outcomes.
Thank you for your response
Myrna
hi – could you let me know how much the parathyroid surgery is? I understand that Dr. Harris uses the minimally invasive procedure. what does he think of MIRP (minimally invasive radioactive procedure) developed by Dr. Norman in Florida. Could you comment on how Dr. Harris is able to determine which gland is affected. The ultrasound showed a shadow in one gland but the radioactive test did not show anything. The endocrinologist says that he is sure that it is primary hyperparathyroidism – the calcium count is high in the blood and the urine. Both my kidneys have had stones removed.
I have been referred to Dr. Meloche for the surgery – will see him for a consult in March and then I am not sure when the surgery will be booked.
What is the advantage of going through your centre?
I also have follicular lymphoma – my oncologist feels this is not related. I have a pacemaker = and have had a tampenade a week after the insertion of the pacemaker.
Thank you
Hello,
I am wondering the same as the post by Brenda above this one. Does Dr. Harris use the MIRP developed by Dr.Norman. I have been recently diagnosed and am needing surgery. I am wanting the MIRP and tryingt o figure out where this can happen. I am in BC and am willing to travel to make certain I have the correct procedure.
Thank you
Hello,
I was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism last July. I have developed osteoporosis although I had a very good result from one 8 years ago. Does Dr Harris do the MIRP as Dr Norman does? My sestamibi scan was negative.
How long to wait for a consultation? How long is the wait time for surgery after that?
How much is the cost (I live in BC)?