Parathyroid Gland – Simon Grodski

Parathyroid glands are small glands of the endocrine system which are located behind the thyroid. Other than having a similar name, they have nothing to do with the Thyroid gland; parathyroid means next to thyroid.

There are four parathyroid glands which are normally about the size and shape of a grain of rice.

They are shown in this picture as the mustard yellow glands behind the pink thyroid gland. This is their normal colour.

The purpose of the parathyroid glands are to regulate the calcium levels in our bodies within a very narrow range so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.

Hyperparathyroidism is a disease of the parathyroid glands where overactivity of one or more of the parathyroids leads to an overproduction of parathyroid hormone which in turn can lead to high calcium levels in the blood.

Hyperparathyroidism is typically caused by a benign growth (adenoma) on one of the four parathyroid glands. Occasionally more than one parathyroid can be involved and rarely all four can be involved. Scans come sometimes help locate the overactive parathyroid gland, although scans are only about 60-80% accurate. The overproduction of parathyroid hormone can lead to weakness of the bones, production of kidney stones, calcification around the heart and circulatory system and cause a variety of nonspecific symptoms including lethargy, mental confusion, aches and pains, lowered mood and abdominal pains amongst others.

Hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed on blood tests and urine tests and once diagnosed, parathyroid scans may be used to try and locate the problem parathyroid gland(s). Generally, the treatment of hyperparathyroidism involves surgery to remove the problem parathyroid gland. Often a minimally invasive / keyhole approach can be used which can be done as a day procedure. Surgery is highly successful with cure rates over 95%.

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