What Is Hyperparathyroidism?
You have four parathyroid glands located in your neck. Each parathyroid gland is about the size of a grain of rice and produces the parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps your body regulate the calcium levels in your blood.
Hyperparathyroidism occurs when at least one of your parathyroid glands becomes overactive and produces too much PTH, which causes elevated calcium levels.
In many cases, you receive a hyperparathyroidism diagnosis before you develop any symptoms. The long-term elevation of your calcium level can result in problems, like:
- Kidney stones
- Abdominal pain
- Osteoporosis
- Bone pain
You might also urinate frequently or suffer from nausea and vomiting.
At Beach Cities ENTS, we have extensive experience helping patients manage hyperparathyroidism and other thyroid disorders. Reach out to our ENT specialists in Torrance or El Segundo, CA to learn more about your treatment options.
What Causes Hyperparathyroidism?
There are two types of hyperparathyroidism:
Primary Hyperparathyroidism
An abnormality in one or more of your parathyroid glands causes primary hyperparathyroidism. For example, the condition is often due to noncancerous growths called parathyroid adenoma or enlargement of the whole parathyroid gland. In rare cases, a cancerous tumor could cause hyperparathyroidism.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism
Another condition, like a calcium or Vitamin D deficiency that lowers your calcium levels and forces your parathyroid glands to overcompensate, causes secondary hyperparathyroidism.
Your risk of developing hyperparathyroidism is higher if you're a post-menopausal woman or if you've had radiation treatment for cancer near or in your neck.
How Is Hyperparathyroidism Diagnosed?
In many cases, hyperparathyroidism is diagnosed when you have a blood test for another issue. If you have blood work that reveals elevated PTH and calcium levels, your doctor may order additional testing to rule out secondary causes and to search for early signs of complications.
Some standard tests include bone density scans, urinalysis, diagnostic imaging of your kidneys, and ultrasounds.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I need parathyroid surgery vs. medication management?
Surgery is typically recommended for primary hyperparathyroidism when calcium levels are significantly elevated, you have kidney stones, reduced bone density (osteoporosis), or symptoms affecting your quality of life. Your physician will review your calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels and symptoms to determine the right approach for you.
What is minimally invasive parathyroid surgery and does Beach Cities ENT offer it?
Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (MIP) uses a small incision and targeted surgical approach to remove only the affected gland — rather than exploring all four glands. It results in less scarring, shorter operating time, and faster recovery than traditional surgery. Ask your physician at your consultation whether you are a candidate based on preoperative imaging.
How long is recovery from parathyroid surgery?
Most patients return to desk work and light activity within 1–2 weeks. The surgical incision is small and heals well for most patients. You may experience some temporary neck soreness and fatigue. Follow-up blood testing confirms calcium levels have normalized.
Is parathyroid surgery covered by insurance?
Yes. Parathyroid surgery for primary hyperparathyroidism is covered as medically necessary by most insurance plans when appropriate criteria are met. Our office will work with you on prior authorization and provide the documentation your insurance requires.
What is the difference between parathyroid surgery and thyroid surgery?
The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid that regulate calcium levels in the blood. Parathyroid surgery targets one or more of these glands when they become overactive. Thyroid surgery addresses conditions of the thyroid gland itself — such as thyroid cancer, goiter, or hyperthyroidism. Both are performed in the neck, but they are distinct procedures for different conditions.
How Is Hyperparathyroidism Treated?
The doctors at Beach Cities ENTS provide customized treatments to address your specific needs.
If you don't have any symptoms and your calcium levels are only slightly elevated, they might recommend watchful waiting with regular blood work to monitor your calcium levels, kidney function, and bone density.
However, if your condition is advanced, your doctor might suggest surgery. Surgery is a standard treatment for hyperparathyroidism. Our team at Beach Cities ENTS offers parathyroid surgery as an outpatient procedure. It only requires local anesthesia for a few small incisions.
If you've had blood work that indicates hyperparathyroidism or are looking for expert parathyroid surgery, call Beach Cities ENTS in Torrance or El Segundo, CA, or make an appointment online today.