What is the parathyroid gland?
The thyroid gland is often connected to the four parathyroid glands in the neck. They regulate blood calcium levels, which are crucial for a variety of bodily processes. The most frequent issue with parathyroid glands is primary hyperparathyroidism, which is an overactive gland brought on by a benign tumor. More than 90% of the time, just one gland is affected.
The goal of parathyroid gland surgery is to identify the diseased parathyroid gland, either by neck exploration during surgery or by imaging prior to surgery. A targeted, minimally invasive method of removing the abnormal gland can be used if imaging reveals the abnormal gland or glands before surgery. A bilateral neck exploration is performed and the abnormal glands are removed if they cannot be located or if the disease is caused by multi-gland disease.
What are the main functions of the parathyroid gland?
The parathyroid glands regulate the blood, bones, and rest of the body’s calcium levels. They accomplish this by generating the hormone known as parathyroid hormone, or PTH. The body requires calcium for the following purposes:
To supply the nervous system with energy
To provide our muscles with energy
To make our bones stronger
The parathyroid glands will temporarily cease releasing PTH if the body has enough calcium, and they will release more PTH if the calcium levels are too low. Certain issues arise when the parathyroid glands are ill.
Complications with the parathyroid gland
There are three main problems that can develop in the parathyroid glands: hyperparathyroidism, hypoparathyroidism and cancer.
- Hyperparathyroidism: a condition in which the parathyroid glands overproduce PTH, resulting in excessively high blood calcium levels. Osteoporosis, kidney stones, frequent urination, stomach pain, fatigue or weakness, depression or memory loss, joint and bone pain, nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss are just a few of the symptoms.
- Hypoparathyroidism: a condition in which the body produces insufficient PTH, leading to excessive blood calcium levels. An excess of phosphorus in the blood is caused by low calcium levels. Rough or brittle hair, anxiety or depression, spasms, numbness around the mouth, hands, or feet, and exhaustion are some of the symptoms.
- Cancer: symptoms like muscle weakness, trouble swallowing, and a lump in the neck may be caused by malignant growths on the parathyroid glands. Hypercalcemia, which can lead to frequent thirst, excessive urination, fatigue, indigestion, appetite loss, constipation, and muscle weakness, is another complication of parathyroid gland cancer.
Are issues with the parathyroid gland treatable?
- Hyperparathyroidism: treatment consists of surgery to remove the diseased glands, drugs to lower calcium levels and prevent osteoporosis, and a “watch and wait” strategy. Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary adjustments, regular exercise, adequate hydration, and quitting smoking, can also be beneficial.
- Hypoparathyroidism: the goal is to get the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels back in balance. In addition to PTH injections, if the specialist thinks it is appropriate, it can be treated with calcium carbonate and vitamin D supplements.
- Cancer: For parathyroid gland cancer, surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are the most successful treatments.
Which specialist handles issues with the parathyroid gland?
Endocrinologists, surgeons, endocrine surgeons, and ENT surgeons are the specialists who treat issues with the parathyroid gland.