Hyperparathyroidism
Description
An over production of parathyroid hormone resulting in high calcium levels in the blood. There are four parathyroid glands located in the neck next to the thyroid gland. There are two types of hyperparathyroidism, primary and secondary. In primary one of the glands produces too much parathyroid hormone usually from a non-cancerous growth of the gland called an adenoma or from a tumor of the gland. Secondary occurs when another disease process causes low levels of calcium resulting in elevated levels of parathyroid hormone. The most common causes of secondary disease is failure of the intestines to absorb calcium, vitamin D deficiency or kidney failure.The elevated calcium levels can result in osteoporosis, kidney stones, hypertension, pancreatitis, peptic ulcers, and heart disease.
Symptoms
Symptoms are the result of elevated calcium levels are include: back pain, bone pain, loss of height, fractured bones, kidney stones, increased urination, abdominal pain, depression, nausea, vomiting, increased thirst and fatigue.
Tests
A history and physical exam will be done. Blood tests to detect the elevated calcium and parathyroid levels will be done. A 24 urine test can measure how much calcium is being excreted by the kidneys. A bone mineral density test (DEXA or DXA) may be done to detect osteoporosis. An ultrasound or CT scan can measure the size of the parathyroid glands.
- Chem 12
- CT Scan
- Ultrasound
Treatment
Therapy depends on the cause of the cause of the elevated parathyroid gland and if the problem is not severe their healthcare provider may choose to watch the calcium levels over time. If the parathyroid gland is producing too much hormone or is cancerous surgery may be performed to remove the gland. Medications such as cinacalcet can mimic calcium and cause the parathyroid gland to produce less parathyroid hormone. Biphosphates such as risedronate, alendronate, zoledronic acid, and ibandronate may be given to reduce calcium loss from the bones.
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Check out the website: parathyroid.com for extensive information about this little know disease. The Norman Parathyroid Center performs more parathryoid surgery then anyone else in the U.S. Their website contains great information for those seeking more information about this disease that other doctors don't seem to know as much about. My husband has been ill for 7 months and has been to multiple doctors including the Mayo Clinic. The doctors that he had seen mentioned that hyperparathyroid may be the cause of his symptoms...but he's tested on the high side of their normal range. Norman says that most of the tumors they find are with people who have tested within the high side of normal...not in the 11 or 12 range. So compare your calcium levels, your symptoms along with other testing and read more on their site.