Parathyroid Disease – Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | I D Cancer Center
What Are the Parathyroid Glands?
Calcium levels
Bone health
Kidney function
Vitamin D activation
When these glands become overactive or develop abnormal growth, parathyroid disease occurs.
⭐ Types of Parathyroid Disease
1. Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Occurs due to:
Parathyroid adenoma (most common)
Hyperplasia of glands
Parathyroid cancer (rare)
Occurs due to:
Parathyroid adenoma (most common)
Hyperplasia of glands
Parathyroid cancer (rare)
2. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Caused by chronic kidney disease or low vitamin D.
Caused by chronic kidney disease or low vitamin D.
3. Tertiary Hyperparathyroidism
Persistent high PTH even after kidney disease is treated.
Persistent high PTH even after kidney disease is treated.
4. Parathyroid Tumors
Most are benign, but rare cancers also occur.
Most are benign, but rare cancers also occur.
⭐ Symptoms of Parathyroid Disease
High PTH and high calcium levels cause:
Bone pain or osteoporosis
Kidney stones
Muscle weakness
Fatigue, irritability, depression
Frequent urination and thirst
Abdominal pain or constipation
Memory issues and poor concentration
Mild symptoms often go unnoticed — early testing is important.
High PTH and high calcium levels cause:
Bone pain or osteoporosis
Kidney stones
Muscle weakness
Fatigue, irritability, depression
Frequent urination and thirst
Abdominal pain or constipation
Memory issues and poor concentration
Mild symptoms often go unnoticed — early testing is important.
⭐ Causes & Risk Factors
Benign tumor (adenoma)
Kidney failure
Vitamin D deficiency
Radiation exposure to neck
Genetic syndromes (MEN 1, 2A)
Family history
Benign tumor (adenoma)
Kidney failure
Vitamin D deficiency
Radiation exposure to neck
Genetic syndromes (MEN 1, 2A)
Family history
⭐ How Parathyroid Disease Is Diagnosed at I D Cancer Center
✔ Blood Tests
Serum calcium
PTH levels
Vitamin D
Kidney function tests
Serum calcium
PTH levels
Vitamin D
Kidney function tests
✔ Imaging
Ultrasound neck
Sestamibi scan
4D CT scan
PET-CT in complex cases
Ultrasound neck
Sestamibi scan
4D CT scan
PET-CT in complex cases
✔ Bone Evaluation
DEXA scan (bone density)
DEXA scan (bone density)
⭐ Treatment Options
1. Surgery (Parathyroidectomy) — Most Effective
Recommended for:
Parathyroid adenoma
Hyperplasia
Parathyroid carcinoma
Severe hypercalcemia
Surgery provides complete cure in most cases.
Recommended for:
Parathyroid adenoma
Hyperplasia
Parathyroid carcinoma
Severe hypercalcemia
Surgery provides complete cure in most cases.
2. Medication
Used for:
Patients not fit for surgery
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency
Common medicines include calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs.
Used for:
Patients not fit for surgery
Secondary hyperparathyroidism
Vitamin D deficiency
Common medicines include calcimimetics and vitamin D analogs.
3. Radiotherapy
While rare, for parathyroid carcinoma or recurrence, precision radiation techniques at I D Cancer Center help control disease:
IMRT
VMAT/Arc Therapy
While rare, for parathyroid carcinoma or recurrence, precision radiation techniques at I D Cancer Center help control disease:
IMRT
VMAT/Arc Therapy
4. Comprehensive Supportive Care
Calcium management
Kidney protection
Bone health therapy
Calcium management
Kidney protection
Bone health therapy
⭐ Complications if Left Untreated
Untreated parathyroid disease may lead to:
Severe osteoporosis
Repeated kidney stones
Pancreatitis
Heart rhythm problems
Fractures
Neurological symptoms
Early treatment prevents long-term damage.
Untreated parathyroid disease may lead to:
Severe osteoporosis
Repeated kidney stones
Pancreatitis
Heart rhythm problems
Fractures
Neurological symptoms
Early treatment prevents long-term damage.
