Parathyroid Disease
The parathyroid glands are four small glands that are located next to the thyroid gland – two on each side of the neck.
They are responsible for making parathyroid hormone (PTH) which is important for controlling calcium levels in the blood.
Occasionally one or more of these glands grows and makes more PTH which can result in increasing the levels of calcium in the blood as well as many other effects including thinning the bones (osteoporosis).
The symptoms of increased PTH production may be very subtle or no symptoms may be felt while calcium levels are near normal.
Surgery is indicated if the calcium levels are elevated, the patient is symptomatic or if there are other effects such as osteoporosis even in the absence of symptoms.
Uptodate – Hyperparathyroidism Basics