What is parathyroid adenoma?
Parathyroid adenoma is a benign tumor of the parathyroid gland that causes overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). These glands, located in the neck, play a crucial role in regulating calcium levels in the body. When a parathyroid adenoma develops, it can disrupt the balance of calcium and phosphorus, leading to various symptoms and health complications.
What is the difference between parathyroid cancer and parathyroid adenoma?
Parathyroid adenoma signifies a noncancerous growth in the parathyroid gland, while parathyroid cancer involves the formation of malignant cells in this glandular tissue.
Within parathyroid disorders, adenomas are notably more prevalent than cancerous growths.
Both conditions, however, can lead to excessive release of parathyroid hormone (PTH), resulting in hypercalcemia, which can pose health risks. Consequently, the primary treatment for both parathyroid cancer and adenomas involves surgical removal of the affected gland to restore balance.
Differentiating between a benign adenoma and parathyroid cancer can be challenging for healthcare providers due to similar cellular appearances. After surgical removal of the overactive gland, further testing is required to determine whether it's an adenoma or cancer.
What are the symptoms of parathyroid adenoma?
Parathyroid adenoma can present with a range of symptoms, although some individuals may not experience any noticeable signs initially.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent hypercalcemia: Elevated calcium levels in the blood, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and bone pain.
- Kidney stones: High levels of calcium in the bloodstream can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, which may cause severe pain and discomfort.
- Bone pain or fractures: Parathyroid adenoma can cause the bones to weaken due to excessive calcium loss, leading to bone pain, tenderness, or an increased risk of fractures.
- Gastrointestinal issues: Some individuals with parathyroid adenoma may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, or loss of appetite.
How is parathyroid adenoma treated?
Treating parathyroid adenoma typically involves surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland(s), known as parathyroidectomy. This procedure aims to normalize calcium levels and alleviate symptoms associated with hypercalcemia.
In some cases, minimally invasive techniques such as focused parathyroidectomy or radio-guided parathyroidectomy may be used to target and remove the adenoma while preserving healthy parathyroid tissue.
What causes parathyroid adenoma?
The exact cause of parathyroid adenoma is not always clear, although certain factors may increase the risk of developing this condition, including:
- Genetic mutations: In some cases, parathyroid adenoma may be associated with inherited genetic mutations, such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) or
hyperparathyroidism-jaw tumor syndrome (HPT-JT). - Radiation exposure: Previous radiation therapy to the head, neck, or chest area may increase the risk of developing parathyroid adenoma.
- Age and gender: Parathyroid adenoma is more common in older adults, particularly those over the age of 50, and tends to affect women slightly more often than men.
- Family history: A family history of parathyroid disorders or certain genetic syndromes, such as MEN1 or HPT-JT, may predispose individuals to develop parathyroid adenoma.
If you're experiencing symptoms suggestive of hypercalcemia or have concerns about your parathyroid health, it's important to seek medical evaluation and guidance from a healthcare professional.