The parathyroid glands are four small glands in the neck. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH controls the level of calcium in the blood.
In hyperparathyroidism too much PTH is secreted. This causes high levels of calcium in the blood. High calcium is known as hypercalcemia. The condition is classified as being:
In most cases, the exact cause is not known. Factors that may contribute to hyperparathyroidism include:
The following factors increase your chance of developing hyperparathyroidism:
If you experience any of these, do not assume it is due to this condition. The symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you have any one of them, see your doctor.
The degree of hypercalcemia, as well as the disease progress, will determine the symptoms. Symptoms commonly seen with primary hyperparathyroidism include the following:
Symptoms and clinical signs common to those patients with secondary or tertiary hyperparathyroidism include the following:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a specialist. An endocrinologist focuses on hormones.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
A partial or complete parathyroidectomy may be done. This is the partial or total removal of the parathyroid. It may be used:
Your doctor may simply choose to regularly check your blood calcium levels. The doctor will also monitor you for possible complications. This may include regular bone density tests.
RESOURCES:
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
http://www.aace.com/
The Hormone Foundation
http://www.hormone.org/
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders
http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canada Health Portal
http://chp-pcs.gc.ca/CHP/
Canadian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
http://www.endo-metab.ca/
References:
Bilezikian JP, Potts JT Jr, Fuleihan Gel-H, et al. Summary statement from a work shop on asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism: a perspective for the 21st century. J Clin Endo Metab . 2002;37:5353-5361.
Cannella G, Messa P. Therapy of secondary hyperparathyroidism to date: vitamin d analogs, calcimimetics or both? J Nephrol . 2006;19:399-402.
Clark OH. How should patients with primary hyperparathyroidism be treated? (Editorial). J Clin Endocrinol Metab . 2003;88:3011-3014.
Hyperparathyroidism. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders website. Available at: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/endo/pubs/hyper/hyper.htm .
Information for patients about primary hyperparathyroidism. National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases, National Resource Center website. Available at: http://www.osteo.org/newfile.asp?doc=p112i&doctitle=Primary+Hyperparathyroidism&doctype=HTML+Fact+Sheet . Accessed July 4, 2005.
Messa P, Macario F, Yaqoob M, et al. The OPTIMA study: assessing a new cinacalcet (Sensipar/Mimpara) treatment algorithm for secondary hyperparathyroidism. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2008;3:36-45.
Silverberg SJ, Bilezikian JP. The diagnosis and management of asymptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism. Nat Clin Pract Endocrinol Metab . 2006;2:494-503.
Taniegra ED. Hyperparathyroidism. Am Fam Physician . 2004; 69:333-340.
Torpy JM. Glass RM, ed. Hyperparathyroidism. JAMA . 2005;293(14).
Last reviewed January 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeW¹itt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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