Bridgeport Hospital offers expert surgical treatment for conditions related to the parathyroid glands.
Four small parathyroid glands are located in the neck, typically behind the larger single thyroid gland. Parathyroid glands produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) that help regulate calcium levels in the blood and bones.
The most common parathyroid disorder is hyperparathyroidism which occurs when at least one parathyroid gland produces excessive PTH and disrupts the regulation of calcium in the blood. Blood tests that show abnormally high PTH and high blood calcium (hypercalcemia) are indicators for hyperparathyroidism. Diagnosis can be made by a primary care doctor or endocrinologist. Left untreated, abnormally high calcium can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney stones, and osteoporosis.
Patients with hyperparathyroidism commonly have a tumor on more than one parathyroid gland. Almost all parathyroid tumors are benign (non-cancerous). According to the National Cancer Institute, parathyroid cancer is one of the rarest forms of human cancer, with less than 100 cases per year in the U.S.
Conditions where parathyroid surgery (parathyroidectomy) may be warranted:
All parathyroid surgical procedures are same-day surgeries performed at Bridgeport Hospital. Our expert surgeons use minimally invasive techniques with the smallest incisions needed. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days.
Yale New Haven Health is proud to be affiliated with the prestigious Yale University and its highly ranked Yale School of Medicine.
