Parathyroid Tumor | CENTER for Advanced Parathyroid Surgery
The majority of the time, parathyroid tumors are located in 1 of the 4 parathyroid glands. A parathyroid tumor is in most cases a benign tumor, called a parathyroid adenoma, that grows to an abnormal size. As it grows it release more parathyroid hormone (PTH), thus causing hyperparathyroidism. The tumor develops when there is a disturbance in the censor (or thermostat) on a single parathyroid cell. The thermostat level for the calcium changes to a higher number for that cell, while the remaining cells stay at a lower normal setting. As the calcium level rises, the normal cells shut down, while the abnormal cell continues to produce PTH. Just like muscles, cells that work multiply and get bigger, while cells that don't get smaller. Gradually in time the calcium level increases until it reaches the set point of the abnormal parathyroid's thermostat setting. Because hyperparathyroidism is caused by the abnormality in the censor, the high calcium level will continue as long as the parathyroid tumor is present.
Dr. Babak Larian is a parathyroid specialist. The only way to cure hyperparathyroid disease is surgery to remove the parathyroid tumor. To learn more about hyperparathyroidism, call us at 310.461.0300 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Larian today!
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