Best parathyroid tumor specialist in Pune
Parathyroid Tumors & Adenoma Management in Pune
Parathyroid tumors are abnormal growths in one or more of the four parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid gland in the neck. Most parathyroid tumors are parathyroid adenomas, which are benign, but in rare cases, they may be cancerous. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels. When a tumor causes excess PTH production, it leads to hyperparathyroidism, resulting in high calcium levels and multiple systemic symptoms. Dr. Vidita Powle, an experienced head and neck surgical oncologist, provides advanced evaluation and treatment for parathyroid disorders.
What Are the Parathyroid Glands?
Parathyroid glands are four pea-sized glands located behind the thyroid gland. Despite being close to the thyroid, their only role is to maintain calcium balance in the body through the secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Causes of Parathyroid Tumors
Parathyroid adenomas occur when one gland becomes enlarged and overproduces PTH. Reasons include:
- Genetic factors
- Long-term lithium use
- Chronic kidney disease
- Rare hereditary syndromes
- Overstimulation of the glands due to metabolic imbalance
Most parathyroid adenomas have no identifiable cause.
Symptoms
Many patients have no symptoms, and the condition is often detected during routine blood tests. When symptoms do appear, they are mainly due to increased calcium levels.
Common symptoms include:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Constipation
- Mood changes or confusion
- Bone pain, osteoporosis, or fractures
- Kidney stones (in advanced cases)
Most parathyroid adenomas have no identifiable cause.
Diagnosis
A complete diagnostic evaluation includes:
1. Blood Tests
- Elevated calcium levels
- Elevated parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels
- Vitamin D levels
2. Imaging
- Ultrasound of the neck
- Sestamibi scan
- 4D-CT or MRI for difficult cases
3. Bone Density Test
- To assess bone loss due to prolonged high calcium levels.
Treatment Options
Dr. Vidita Powle, an expert head and neck cancer specialist , offers individualized treatment plans based on the severity of symptoms, lab results, and imaging findings.
Surgery is the gold-standard treatment for parathyroid adenomas and provides a permanent cure in most cases.
Types include:
- Focused parathyroidectomy (for a single adenoma)
- Bilateral neck exploration (if multiple glands are involved)
Useful when imaging clearly identifies the affected gland.
Benefits:
- Smaller incision
- Faster recovery
- Less pain
Robotic surgery may be performed in carefully selected patients, especially those seeking a scar-less or cosmetically favorable approach.
Benefits
- Hidden incisions (axilla or behind the ear)
- High precision and magnified visualization
- Minimal scarring
- Faster recovery
Suitable For
- Single-gland parathyroid adenomas
- Patients with cosmetic concerns
Not Recommended For
- Large or multiple gland disease
- Parathyroid carcinoma
- Advanced anatomical complexity
For mild cases or patients who cannot undergo surgery:
- Regular monitoring
- Avoiding calcium/vitamin D supplements
- Managing vitamin D deficiency
- Medications to reduce calcium levels (if needed)
Prevention
While adenomas cannot always be prevented, maintaining good kidney health, avoiding unnecessary lithium use, and monitoring calcium/vitamin D levels can reduce risk. Individuals with a family history of endocrine disorders may require early screening.
FAQs
1. Are most parathyroid tumors cancerous?
No. Most tumors are benign adenomas.
2. Can parathyroid adenoma be cured?
Yes. Surgery is curative in the majority of patients.
3. What happens if hyperparathyroidism is untreated?
It can lead to kidney stones, severe osteoporosis, fractures, and long-term organ damage.
4. Will I have a visible scar after surgery?
Minimally invasive and robotic approaches can reduce or eliminate visible scarring.
5. Do all patients need surgery?
Not always. Mild cases may be monitored, but surgery is recommended when calcium or PTH levels are significantly elevated.
Contact us
If you have high calcium levels, fatigue, bone pain, or unexplained kidney stones, you may have a parathyroid disorder. Book a consultation with Dr. Vidita Powle, the best consultant surgical oncologist for accurate diagnosis and advanced treatment options tailored to your condition.