$Unique_ID{BRK01013}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What is a Parathyroid?}
$Subject{parathyroid overactive diagnosis Endocrine Glands gland Metabolism
parathyroids hormone hormones calcium hypercalcemia kidney stone stones
nephrolithiasis hyperparathyroidism}
$Volume{C-22}
$Log{
Location and Function of the Endocrine Glands*0002901.scf
The Thyroid and Parathyroid*0002904.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is a Parathyroid?


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QUESTION:  Although I knew a bit about the thyroid condition that you recently
wrote about, I would now like you to explain a bit about the parathyroid,
which I never heard about until recently when a friend of mine had one
removed.  I read your articles regularly and enjoy them very much.

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ANSWER:  Thank you for your kind words.  The parathyroids are glands of the
endocrine system.  Normally we have 4 of them, all quite small, 4 to 15 mm in
length and from 3 to 4 mm wide.  All together they only weigh about 1 gram.
They get their name because they are attached to the much larger thyroid
gland, two on each side.  They produce the parathyroid hormone, which is
important in regulating the amounts of calcium circulating in the blood and
present in the body.  When one or more of these glands secrete too much
hormone, a condition known as "hypercalcemia" may result, leading to an
excessive amount of bone resorption in the body.  When this condition is
present for a long time, undiagnosed and unchecked, stones may form in the
kidney (nephrolithiasis), and quite often it is this condition which leads to
the diagnosis of hyperparathyroidism.  The solution is the surgical removal of
the overactive gland, a delicate operation that removes excess tissue and
allows the body functions to return to normal.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.