What are parathyroid glands?

These are tiny glands located in your neck and can’t be appreciated or felt or visualised. They help in maintaining calcium balance in your body

What is meant by hyperparathyroidism?

Word hyper refers to increased functioning or working of an organ or gland. In case of hyperparathyroidism, there is an increased parathyroid hormone.

This can result in increased calcium in your body called hypercalcemia. It can happen when a gland develops an abnormal benign (non-cancer) growth. It can also happen when 1 or more of the glands grow bigger than they should. Parathyroid cancer is a very rare cause of primary hyperparathyroidism.

How do we know if you have hyperparathyroidism?

You may have any of the following symptoms

• Recurrent renal stone (Nephrolithiasis)
• Pain in joints or bone
• Fatigue
• Pain in abdomen
• Constipation
• Decreased concentration
• Increased thirst
• Weak bones

It is important to remember some of the symptoms are not specific and hence you will have to consult endocrine surgeon Dr Sapana Bothra Jain

How can we diagnose?

It can be diagnosed using simple blood tests to document high calcium first in your blood. Additionally, endocrine surgeons will check parathyroid hormones in your blood and do more tests depending on your symptoms.

How do we know if it is cancerous or benign?

Visit Dr Sapana Bothra Jain for more details on this. Endocrine surgeon will guide you if this is cancerous or benign

The word nodules refer to round or oval-shaped lump. Thyroid nodules are lumps that occur in the thyroid gland. The gland is situated in the neck.

What does the word malignant mean? Are they benign or malignant?

Malignant mean cancerous. More commonly these nodules are benign that is not cancerous. But is it important to consult an endocrine surgeon (Dr Sapana Bothra Jain).

How is primary hyperparathyroidism treated?

The main treatment is to surgically remove the gland or glands that are causing the problem. There are various criteria to decide the need for surgery. In most cases, surgery cures the condition.

However, not all patients will need surgery and need to be closely followed up with Dr Sapana Bothra Jain.