Parathyroiditis is inflammation of the parathyroid glands, causing high blood calcium levels and symptoms such as fatigue and bone pain. Treatment involves surgical removal of the affected gland, and untreated hyperparathyroidism may lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of cancer.
Parathyroiditis is inflammation of one or more of the four parathyroid glands located on either side of the neck. The parathyroid glands are tiny, usually ranging from the size of a grain of rice to the size of a grain of corn. Parathyroiditis is a symptom of hyperparathyroid disease, which results in high blood calcium levels. In most cases, the inflamed parathyroid gland develops a benign tumor that needs to be surgically removed.
The sole purpose of the four parathyroid glands is to regulate the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the body. When the glands sense low levels of calcium in the blood, they secrete a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH travels to the bones in the body to remove calcium and transfer it into the bloodstream. PTH regulates the calcium excreted in the urine and the amount of calcium absorbed from the small intestine. Calcium is required for proper functioning of the central nervous system and bone strength.
Only one of the four parathyroid glands is usually enlarged at a time. Parathyroiditis causes the gland to produce too much PTH, resulting in the release of excess calcium into the bloodstream. Increased calcium has harmful effects on the central nervous system and can cause an irregular heartbeat. Other symptoms of hyperparathyroidism are fatigue, depression, kidney stones, headaches and bone pain.
Parathyroid inflammation is classified as an autoimmune process. Eventually, the overproduction of PTH can cause calcium deficiency in the bones and lead to osteoporosis. It may take several years after removal of the inflamed gland before bone density can be restored. Nearly all people with hyperparathyroidism will develop osteoporosis if the condition is left untreated.
Blood tests will reveal high levels of calcium, called hypercalcemia, and high levels of PTH signaling parathyroiditis. The usual method of treatment is surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland. Surgery is a minimally invasive procedure conducted under general anesthesia. Although most people only need to have one parathyroid gland removed, it is possible to live normally with only half of a parathyroid gland remaining after surgery.
There is a 95% cure rate for hyperparathyroid disease after surgery. Some medical professionals believe that there is a direct correlation between untreated hyperparathyroid disease and the development of other types of cancer. Those with a history of untreated hyperparathyroidism are more likely to report a later diagnosis of prostate or breast cancer.
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