Parathyroid glands are the glands that - as the name suggests - lie next to the thyroid gland. Parathyroid glands are in the form of small, oval grains, but they play a very important role in the body - their main task is to regulate the calcium-phosphorus metabolism in the body. Check the exact role of the parathyroid glands, what hormones they secrete and what are the diseases of the parathyroid glands.

Parathyroid glands,that isparathyroid glandsare small endocrine glands, arranged symmetrically around the thyroid gland. The parathyroid glands together weigh about 100 mg. As a rule, they occur in pairs: two under the lower poles and two under the upper thyroid poles. Typically, there are four parathyroid glands in the body, but some people may have only one parathyroid gland and others as many as 8.

Contents:

  1. Parathyroid glands - functions in the body
  2. Parathyroid glands - diseases of the parathyroid glands
  3. Diseases of the parathyroid glands - treatment

Parathyroid glands - functions in the body

Parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which, together with other hormones: calcitonin and calcitriol, is responsible for regulating the regulation of calcium and phosphate metabolism. It is also involved in the formation of vitamin D. The secretion of PTH is regulated by feedback systems.

The main task of the parathyroid glands is to regulate the calcium-phosphorus balance in the body.

  • the more calcium in the blood, the less parathyroid hormone is released. If the calcium level in the blood is low, the parathyroid glands are stimulated to secrete PTH
  • a decrease in vitamin D3 concentration increases the production of PTH by the parathyroid glands, and its increase - inhibits the secretion of PTH

The disturbed balance between parathyroid hormone, vitamin D3 and calcium leads to disorders related to the abnormal functioning of the parathyroid glands, which result in various diseases.

Parathyroid glands - diseases of the parathyroid glands

1) Hypoparathyroidism:

  • primary hypoparathyroidism - most often caused by removal of the parathyroid glands during surgery in the neck area, damage due to inflammation, radiation or congenital absence of parathyroid glands. The reason may also be a magnesium deficiency
  • secondary hypoparathyroidism - caused by damage to the pituitary or hypothalamus. Is characterised byPTH-independent hypercalcemia
  • alleged hypoparathyroidism (Albright's syndrome) - this is a group of genetically determined metabolic diseases that manifest in the resistance of bones and kidneys to PTH. This results in a lack of calcium in the body (hypocalcaemia) and related disorders, as well as an increase in the level of phosphate in the blood (hypophosphataemia)

Parathyroid disorders are most often manifested by diseases such as hyperparathyroidism and hypoparathyroidism.

2) Hyperparathyroidism

  • primary hyperparathyroidism - the cause of this disease is a primary cell defect in the organ, characterized by an overproduction of PTH, inadequate to the body's needs. Excessive stimulation of the parathyroid glands, despite the correct concentration of calcium in the body, causes increased secretion of PTH, which results in an increase in the level of calcium in the blood, i.e. hypercalcemia. 85% of primary hyperparathyroidism is due to a single parathyroid adenoma, 15% to multiple parathyroid adenoma, and 1% to parathyroid carcinoma. The most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism is a single parathyroid adenoma. It causes you to be overactive in 85%.
  • secondary hyperparathyroidism - manifested by prolonged over-stimulation of the parathyroid glands to secrete PTH in response to hypocalcemia, i.e. low blood calcium levels. It is associated with hypertrophy (hypertrophy) and enlargement (hyperplasia) of the glands. The most common cause of secondary hyperparathyroidism is chronic renal failure

3) Parathyroid cancer

Parathyroid carcinoma is a very rare disease of the parathyroid glands. It is a malignant tumor that is often mistaken for an adenoma. The causes of parathyroid cancer are not fully known. It probably has a genetic background or may be associated with the syndrome of multiple endocrine neoplasia. It most often leads to hyperparathyroidism, and its symptoms are related to the excessive production of PTH.

4) Parathyroid adenoma

Adenoma is a formation that locally produces an excess of parathyroid hormone. Consequently, it is one of the most common causes of primary hyperparathyroidism. It causes it in 85% of cases. Adenoma is a benign form of cancer (non-malignant). Due to its non-specific symptoms, it is difficult to detect. Often confused with parathyroid cancer or thyroid adenoma.

Diseases of the parathyroid glands - treatment

In the case of hypoparathyroidism, treatment is based on the administration of high doses of vitamin D3. Drugs that reduce the absorption of phosphate inthe intestines. It is also recommended to follow a diet rich in calcium and low in phosphate.

Some people require surgical treatment to remove a nodule or the entire thyroid gland. It happens that symptoms disappear after surgery, but most often it is a chronic disease, the treatment of which is based on relieving symptoms and usually lasts for life. It should be remembered that failure to take medication can have serious consequences and can even lead to death.

Treatment of parathyroid glands depends on the type of disorder.

Treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism is based on pharmacotherapy. The goal of treatment is to inhibit excessive PTH secretion and to take medications that increase the excretion of sodium and calcium from the body. Sometimes it is necessary to administer steroids and bisphosphonates. In the case of primary hyperparathyroidism, surgical removal of the tumor is necessary, and in the case of hypertrophy - even the entire thyroid gland. It is also recommended to eat a diet low in calcium and drink plenty of fluids in order to avoid kidney stones. In the case of parathyroid adenoma, the tumor is usually removed along with a fragment of the organ. Pharmacotherapy is also used. In the case of parathyroid cancer, a surgical procedure is used to remove the tumor along with the thyroid lobe. Radiotherapy is a form of adjuvant treatment, but it is controversial. Chemotherapy is not used.

About the authorWeronika RumińskaA graduate of Polish philology with an editorial and publishing specialization at the University of Warsaw. She developed her interests related to the editor's work already during her master's studies, actively cooperating with Poradnikzdrowie.pl on the editorial path and social media. Privately, a lover of good crime fiction and horse riding.

Read more articles by this author.

Category:

He alth