Blogs

What Is The Incidence of Primary Hyperparathyroidism?

The incidence of primary hyperparathyroidism is approximately 1 per 1,000 people, while there are 25-30 new cases per 100,000 people per year in the United States. The prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism has been estimated to be 3 in 1000 in the general population and as high as 21 in 1000 in postmenopausal women. It is almost exactly three times as common in women as men.

How Will Having Hyperparathyroidism Affect My Heart?

Primary hyperparathyroidism may have negative effects on the heart and blood vessels that include high blood pressure (hypertension), hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), coronary artery disease, and more... It is not clear how primary hyperparathyroidism affects these many different cardiac functions.

My Ultrasound Shows That My Parathyroid Adenoma Is Large. Am I Still a Candidate For MIRP?

Yes. Even if your ultrasound shows that my parathyroid adenoma is large, all that is required is that the incision be long enough to accommodate the short-axis of the parathyroid adenoma. Even very large parathyroid tumors can be removed through a mini-incision.

Does LENGTH Matter in Parathyroid Surgery?

Although "length" does matter, it is not the only consideration.

If I am calling your center for the first time, what tests should I have ready for review?

When you have an initial call with one of our staff members, we will ask that you send any tests, labs or scans that you have had done faxed to us for the doctor's review. At the very minimum, for the doctor to make a proper evaluation, we ask for the PTH (parathyroidhormone) and Calcium to be sent over. After he reviews, he may ask for addional labs or tests in order to make the most accurate assessment of your health.

After My Parathyroid Surgery, How Long Will It Take For Me To Feel Better?

It is different for everyone. In some cases, people feel a total change when they awake from the parathyroid surgery procedure. Others, it will take weeks or even months for their body to go back to the way they used to feel. Some will feel a slight change, but will have to wait longer for other symptoms to go away. Just remember, it is hard to know when you got the adenoma, it could have taken your body several years to get to this place.

I Don't Like The After Effects of Anesthesia. Is There Another Option?

Parathyroid surgery typically lasts for about 20 minutes, and the operation is frequently performed on an ambulatory (outpatient) basis. Patients are given the choice of general anesthesia (going completely to sleep) or light sedation.

With light sedation, we perform a local anesthetic nerve block that lasts after the surgery. A soft piece of plastic is used to hold your mouth open so you can breathe on your own during the operation. With light sedation, patients wake up more refreshed than if under general anesthesia.

Who Is At Risk For Parathyroid Disease?

People of every age can be at risk of parathyroid disease. Hyperparathyroidismis most common in patients in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. However, young people develop parathyroid tumors, too. In fact, as more and more young people are getting their blood calcium checked, we are realizing that parathyroid problems are much more common in young people than we ever thought before.

My Sestamibi Scan Was Negative, Am I Eligible For MIRP?

Yes, more than 85% of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism are eligible for minimally invasive parathyroid surgery. Many hospitals that do not perform have false-negative scans. When the repeat scan is performed at our center, the result is frequently positive.

What Does the Parathyroid Gland Do?

Parathyroid glands control the calcium in our entire body. Each person has 4 parathyroid glands that are roughly the size of a grain of rice. Patients who are diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism usually have one gland that has grown in to a tumor and now produces too much hormone (PTH).