parathyroid gland benign neoplasm

A parathyroid adenoma, also known as a parathyroid tumor or benign neoplasm, is a noncancerous (benign) growth that occurs in one or more of the four parathyroid glands located in the neck. These glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the body.

Characteristics:

• A parathyroid adenoma is a small, benign tumor that can cause an overproduction of PTH, leading to hyperparathyroidism.
• It is most often found as a solitary adenoma and is more common among older women.
• The tumor can lead to a condition called hyperparathyroidism, which causes bone fractures, osteoporosis, and other complications.

Symptoms:

• Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels in the blood)
• Hypophosphatemia (low phosphorus levels in the blood)
• Excessive bone resorption leading to osteoporosis
• Bone pain or fractures

Treatment:

• Surgical removal of the affected parathyroid gland is commonly used to treat a parathyroid adenoma.
• In some cases, medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

According to [6], a parathyroid adenoma can appear as a homogeneously hypoechoic extrathyroidal oval mass with a fat plane separating it from normal tissue on ultrasound. Most parathyroid tumors are benign (not cancerous), and they secrete PTH over and above what is normally secreted by the glands, as stated in [7].

References: [1] - A human being usually has four parathyroid glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid in the neck. [6] - If an adenoma identifiable on ultrasound, it should appear as a homogeneously hypoechoic extrathyroidal oval mass with a fat plane separating it from normal tissue. [7] - Most parathyroid tumors are benign (not cancerous). Parathyroid tumors secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH) over and above what is normally secreted by the glands.

The signs and symptoms of a parathyroid gland benign neoplasm can vary, but they often include:

• A lump or nodule in the neck [3]
• Pain in the bones or upper back [3]
• Fractures [3]
• Kidney stones [3]
• Pancreatitis [3]
• Muscle weakness [4][5]

It's worth noting that parathyroid gland benign neoplasms are typically slow-growing and may not cause symptoms for a long time. However, when they do become symptomatic, the above-listed signs and symptoms can occur.

In some cases, people with parathyroid gland benign neoplasms may also experience:

• Weakness [7]
• Feeling very tired [7]
• Nausea and vomiting [7]
• Loss of appetite [7]
• Weight loss for no known reason [7]
• Excessive thirst [8]
• Frequent urination [8]

It's essential to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a parathyroid gland benign neoplasm, as they can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment.

References: [3] - A lump or nodule in the neck · Pain in the bones or upper back · Fractures · Kidney stones · Pancreatitis · Muscle weakness [4] - Dec 3, 2021 — Signs and symptoms of parathyroid cancer include weakness, feeling tired, and a lump in the neck. Tests that examine the neck and blood are used ... [5] - Parathyroid cancer is a very rare cancer of the parathyroid glands in the neck. It can cause thirst, tiredness and muscle weakness. [7] - What are the symptoms of parathyroid cancer? · Weakness · Feeling very tired · Nausea and vomiting · Loss of appetite · Weight loss for no known reason · Being much ... [8] - What are the symptoms of parathyroid cancer? · Bone pain · Fractures · Fatigue · Mood changes · Depression · Excessive thirst · Frequent urination · Kidney stones ...

Diagnostic Tests for Parathyroid Gland Benign Neoplasm

The diagnosis of a parathyroid gland benign neoplasm, also known as parathyroid adenoma, typically involves a combination of blood tests and imaging studies.

• Blood tests: Blood tests can detect high levels of calcium or parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the body, which are often elevated in cases of parathyroid adenoma [8]. These tests can help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.
• Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to visualize the parathyroid glands and identify any abnormalities or tumors [15]. These tests can help locate the affected gland and guide further treatment.

Some of the specific diagnostic tests that may be used for parathyroid adenoma include:

• High-resolution CT with or without CT-guided biopsy: This test uses a combination of CT scans and biopsies to confirm the diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma [9].
• MRI: MRI can provide detailed images of the parathyroid glands and surrounding tissues, which can help identify any abnormalities or tumors [15].
• High-resolution ultrasound: Ultrasound is often used as an initial imaging test for parathyroid adenoma, as it is non-invasive and can provide detailed images of the gland [15].

It's worth noting that a definitive diagnosis of parathyroid adenoma may require surgical removal of the affected gland (parathyroidectomy) and further testing with the tissue [11].

Treatment Options for Parathyroid Gland Benign Neoplasm

While surgery is often considered the most effective treatment option for parathyroid gland benign neoplasms, such as parathyroid adenomas, there are some cases where drug treatment may be considered.

• Medical management: In some cases, medical management with medications like bisphosphonates or calcimimetics may be used to manage symptoms and slow down the progression of the condition. However, this is usually only done in conjunction with surgery (1).
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy may also be considered as a treatment option for parathyroid adenomas, although it's not always effective and can have side effects (3).

Surgical Treatment Remains the Most Common Option

Despite these alternative treatment options, surgical removal of the affected gland remains the most common and effective treatment for parathyroid gland benign neoplasms. Surgery can cure the condition in up to 95% of cases (1).

• Parathyroidectomy: The main treatment for parathyroid adenoma is

The differential diagnosis of a parathyroid gland benign neoplasm, also known as a parathyroid adenoma, involves considering several conditions that can mimic the presentation and characteristics of this type of tumor.

Key Considerations:

• Parathyroid hyperplasia: This is a condition where multiple parathyroid glands are enlarged, leading to an overproduction of parathyroid hormone. It can present similarly to a parathyroid adenoma.
• Thyroid neoplasms: Tumors of the thyroid gland can sometimes be mistaken for parathyroid adenomas due to their similar location and appearance on imaging studies.
• Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: This is a type of cancer that originates in the kidneys and can metastasize to other parts of the body, including the parathyroid glands. It can present as a benign neoplasm.

Diagnostic Features:

• Imaging studies: Ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thallium subtraction scanning, and nuclear scintigraphy with 99m Tc sestamibi can be used to detect and localize abnormal parathyroid glands.
• Histopathological examination: A biopsy of the suspected tumor can help confirm the diagnosis by examining the cellular architecture and identifying specific markers.

Differential Diagnostic Considerations:

• Parathyroid adenoma vs. hyperplasia: The distinction between these two conditions is crucial, as they have different treatment implications.
• Benign vs. malignant tumors: It is essential to differentiate between benign and malignant parathyroid neoplasms to determine the appropriate course of treatment.

References:

• [8] Tumors of the parathyroid glands are classified into four groups; adenoma, hyperplasia, cystic changes and carcinoma.
• [9] Primary hyperparathyroidism (P-HPT) is a common endocrine disorder that occurs as a result of adenomas (80–85%), hyperplasias (10–15%) or carcinomas (<1%) of the parathyroid glands.
• [14] Benign parathyroid neoplasm composed of chief cells, oncocytes or transitional oncocytes or an admixture of these cell types can be considered in the differential diagnosis.

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