Parathyroid Glands

What are parathyroid glands?

There are 4 parathyroid glands, which sit just behind the thyroid gland. There are 2 on each side of the neck. The normal size of a parathyroid is a grain of rice. Despite its small size, they are important for regulating calcium, which is a critical salt in the body.

Abnormalities and tumours of these glands cause hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia, which in turn cause a variety of significant issues and a variety of symptoms.

What problems can they cause?

Symptoms of hypercalcaemia and hyperparathyroidism may include:

• Kidney stones – patients with kidney stones who are found to have a raised parathyroid hormone with or without hypercalcaemia are recommended to have their glands investigated. Surgery in cases found to have enlarged glands may be curative and prevent further formation of kidney stones.

• Mental confusion and cloudiness including symptoms consistent with dementia

• Weak bones & recurrent fractures

• Pancreatitis

• Abdominal pain

How is this investigated?

Investigation of these symptoms may include investigation of the parathyroid glands which is generally a blood test (calcium and parathyroid hormone)

If the initial blood tests are found to be abnormal, further investigation may include ultrasounds and other tests.

I have an enlarged parathyroid gland. What next?

Most people who have a problems with their parathyroid glands have only a single enlarged gland.

In these cases, removal of the single abnormal gland is curative. This may be performed via a 1.5-2cm incision and is very well tolerated, with minimal pain and discomfort.

Your specialist will be happy to discuss further investigation and/or surgery if appropriate.