Parathyroid Gland Disorders

The parathyroid glands are four small glands attached to the thyroid that secrete a hormone that regulates the amount of calcium in the body.  A benign tumor of this gland (adenoma) can form and produce excessive hormones, which in turn causes abnormally high levels of calcium.

Symptoms of high calcium may be mild or nonspecific, including weakness, depression, nausea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. More classic symptoms include bone pain, fractures, and kidney stones. Blood tests are necessary as well as a thyroid ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis.

Disorders of the parathyroid gland are effectively treated by an outpatient surgical procedure (parathyroidectomy). Dr. Shatul Parikh, one the surgeons at Northwest ENT Surgery Center, is a nationally recognized expert in minimally invasive parathyroid surgery.

For more information about parathyroid gland disorders, call Northwest ENT Surgery Center at (678) 483-8833.