Parathyroid adenomas are non-cancerous (benign) tumors of the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
The parathyroid glands help control the break down of calcium in the body. Parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism, which leads to high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcemia).
Parathyroid adenomas are generally caused by a problem with your genes.
Women over 60 are at highest risk. Radiation to your head or neck also increase your risk.
Symptoms:
Many people have no symptoms. The condition is often discovered by accident when you are being examined for another problem.
A 24-urine test is done to check for increased calcium in the urine.
Other tests include:
Bone density exam
Kidney x-rays (may show kidney stones)
Ultrasound or CT (may show kidney stones)
MRI or Tc-thallium neck scan (may show enlarged parathyroid glands)
Review Date: 8/14/2006
Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Endocrinology, Osteoporosis
