What is a parathyroid adenoma? It is seen that the parathyroid gland is located behind the thyroid glands and it is known that its size is around 2-3 mm. In an individual, there are often a total of 4, with 2 on the right and 2 on the left. Parathyroid gland secretes a hormone called parathormone, which mainly regulates blood calcium. Calcium, on the other hand, has many functions in the body.
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Some problems can occur in these glands, which have a very important place in general health. One of these problems is known as parathyroid adenoma. In short, this name is given to the development of a benign tumor in the parathyroid glands.
Parathyroid adenoma can cause excessive secretion of parathormone. In addition, it is a benign tumor that causes an increase in the amount of calcium in the blood. It is known that surgical methods are generally used for the treatment of this disease. With this surgery, the problematic gland is removed. In addition, the calcium level in the blood is reduced to a normal level. When parathormone is secreted excessively or when cancer formation occurs, all systems of the body can be affected by this. Thus, it can be seen that it can lead to serious problems. It is a disease that can generally be seen at any age and in any gender. However, it can be observed that it occurs more frequently in women after menopause. The exact cause of this condition is not known.
Parathyroid hormoneWhen it is determined that it is secreted excessively, a detailed examination is performed first. During the planning of surgical treatment, the locations of the parathyroid glands are determined and the patient’s condition is taken into consideration. However, in some patients, the location of this gland cannot be determined exactly. Therefore, the treatment process may inevitably be postponed.
What Causes Parathyroid Adenoma?
‘’What causes parathyroid adenoma?’’ is among the frequently wondered questions. However, the exact cause of this condition is not known. In a small portion of patients, it is thought that there is a hereditary condition that comes from the family. In addition, if the head and neck region was exposed to radiation during childhood, it is observed that the likelihood of this condition increases. Another reason that is thought to contribute to the formation of parathyroid adenoma is insufficient calcium. It is thought that the low amount of calcium as a result of malnutrition is one of the reasons that cause this.
If left untreated, it causes an increase in the calcium in the blood. The gradually increasing calcium rate causes irregular heartbeats. It is also known that it can cause a parathyroid crisis and death. Parathyroid crisis can be defined as the occurrence of nervous system failure and, as a result, the patient experiencing mental changes.
For the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma, it is absolutely necessary to consult a doctor. The patient is first given a physical examination and their complaints are listened to. Then, the patient needs to have some tests done. As a result of these tests, it is understood whether there is anything in the patient. Thus, the patient is examined in detail and treatment methods are applied according to the result. The treatment method applied in every patient may not be the same. Because the patient's age, health, and condition are evaluated and an appropriate treatment stage is created accordingly.
Symptoms Of Parathyroid Adenoma
Symptoms of parathyroid adenoma generally resemble symptoms that can be seen in many diseases. Therefore, the diagnosis is usually made late. High blood pressure of unknown cause, sand and stone formation in the kidneys, stone formation in the gallbladder, osteoporosis, and stomach disorders are among the symptoms. In addition, persistent stomach pain, burning, confusion, and muscle weakness can also be given as examples. In addition, urinary incontinence, fatigue, muscle cramps, and joint pains similar to rheumatism should be paid close attention to. Parathyroid adenoma, which causes such symptoms, can most commonly be understood with kidney stone formation, hypertension, stomach and duodenum problems. This disease, which causes many different symptoms, should be paid close attention to.
If one of the symptoms is present, certain tests and analyses are performed. The patient is also examined in detail. This disease cannot be corrected with drug treatment. However, improvement can be seen after surgery. The surgery takes an average of 45 minutes and the tissue that secretes excess hormone is removed. Thus, it is known that the patient can return to their life in a better way. In addition, the surgical procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is carried out by making a small incision in the neck. With the techniques that have developed recently, this surgery is also performed in a closed manner.
It is necessary to be very careful so that the vocal cords are not damaged in any way.
Parathyroid adenoma, the exact cause of which is not known, presents symptoms that can be confused with almost other diseases. Therefore, it is among the areas that should be examined regularly. Because in this way, the disease can be diagnosed early.
Parathyroid Adenoma Treatment
Before parathyroid adenoma treatment, the patient must be examined in detail and diagnosed. If the calcium level in the blood test is higher than it should be, this condition is suspected. In addition, the patient's hormone levels are also checked. However, in order for the patient to be diagnosed, it is not necessary for them to have a symptom. In some patients, it does not cause any symptoms and is noticed during a routine examination. After the diagnosis is made, it is considered necessary to apply some tests to the patient. Thus, more detailed information about the condition of the disease can be obtained.
First, a detailed imaging is performed to determine whether there is one or more parathyroid adenoma. Then, calcium deposits in the kidney and urinary tract are checked. In addition, bone density is measured to determine bone loss in the patient. For the amount of calcium in the urine, a urine test is considered necessary.
As a result of all these tests, the extent of the disease is learned and an appropriate treatment method is created accordingly. The most suitable treatment method for parathyroid adenoma is the removal of the glands with the surgical method. A high rate of success is achieved in these surgeries. If the patient is not in a condition to undergo surgery, it is considered necessary to apply drug treatment. The patient is enabled to get rid of this disease by applying the appropriate treatment method so that they can be in a better condition.
Parathyroid Adenoma Surgery
Parathyroid adenoma surgery is performed under general anesthesia and by making a small incision in the neck. During the surgery, all of the paratrioid glands, which are four in total, are examined. Then, the abnormal gland is identified and removed. If there is more than one, all abnormal ones are removed. The remaining glands are considered sufficient to maintain hormone levels. If all four glands are abnormal, 3 are removed and it is observed that the remaining gland maintains the level. In addition, the removed glands are examined by a pathologist.
Almost every surgery has certain risks. In this surgery, the following risks exist:
- Low calcium levels in the blood for a short time or permanently, and numbness in the fingers and around the mouth
- If three parathyroid glands have been removed, very low calcium levels may occur after surgery
Similarly, it can be performed in closed surgery to remove diseased glands. The scarless method through the inside of the lip, which has been implemented most recently, has proven itself in terms of reliability and effectiveness in this regard.
After Parathyroid Adenoma Surgery
After parathyroid adenoma surgery, it is observed that very successful results are obtained. With the removal of diseased glands, a higher bone density is achieved. At the same time, it is known that the risk of bone fracture decreases. In addition, the risk of kidney stones decreases significantly. Symptoms subside on average within a month after surgery. The glands that were working excessively actively due to adenomas are removed and a normal condition is attempted to be achieved. As a result of this surgery, the patient can lead a higher quality life. As in every disease, early diagnosis is of great importance here as well. Therefore, it must be checked at regular intervals.
