Parathyroid

There are usually four parathyroid glands, located directly behind the thyroid gland. Their primary function is to maintain the body's calcium balance, together with the kidneys and bones.

The most common disease associated with the parathyroid glands is hyperparathyroidism, which corresponds to increased function of one or more of the glands. This causes calcium to be released from the bones, weakening them (osteoporosis), and excessive calcium elimination through the kidneys, leading to the formation of stones. The most common cause is the growth of a gland called an adenoma. Cases of malignant tumors are very rare. In patients with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis, it is common for these glands to function excessively (secondary hyperparathyroidism). According to the nephrologist's assessment, surgical treatment may be necessary.

The most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are: fractures in young patients, kidney stones or stones in other locations, high blood pressure, constipation, recurrent pancreatitis, difficult-to-treat gastric ulcers, nonspecific psychiatric disorders, constant weakness and fatigue, tremors and muscle pain, mood swings, etc.

This condition is diagnosed when there are high levels of calcium in the blood (above 10 mg/dl). A MIBI scan is necessary to locate the diseased gland and perform minimally invasive surgery.

There are usually four parathyroid glands, located directly behind the thyroid gland. Their primary function is to maintain the body's calcium balance, together with the kidneys and bones.

The most common disease associated with the parathyroid glands is hyperparathyroidism, which corresponds to increased function of one or more of the glands. This causes calcium to be released from the bones, weakening them (osteoporosis), and excessive calcium elimination through the kidneys, leading to the formation of stones. The most common cause is the growth of a gland called an adenoma. Cases of malignant tumors are very rare. In patients with chronic kidney disease or who are on dialysis, it is common for these glands to function excessively (secondary hyperparathyroidism). According to the nephrologist's assessment, surgical treatment may be necessary.

The most common symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are: fractures in young patients, kidney stones or stones in other locations, high blood pressure, constipation, recurrent pancreatitis, difficult-to-treat gastric ulcers, nonspecific psychiatric disorders, constant weakness and fatigue, tremors and muscle pain, mood swings, etc.

This condition is diagnosed when there are high levels of calcium in the blood (above 10 mg/dl). A MIBI scan is necessary to locate the diseased gland and perform minimally invasive surgery.