Can I Suffer With Parathyroid Disease Without Symptoms?

Many patients suffering from parathyroid disease do not manifest severe symptoms. There are two main types of hyperparathyroidism. They are primary hyperparathyroidism and secondary hyperparathyroidism. The term "hyperparathyroidism" generally refers to primary hyperparathyroidism.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is most commonly caused by one or more of the parathyroid glands forming a tumor that secretes excessive parathyroid hormone (PTH). Normally, parathyroid glands stop secreting parathyroid hormone when there is normal or elevated calcium levels in the blood. With diseased parathyroid glands, this process does not "turn-off" in response to a normal or elevated calcium levels. Instead, the gland continues to secrete PTH. This causes an elevated calcium level in the blood stream.

Normal symptoms of parathyroid disease include bone pain, osteoporosis (thin bones), kidney stones, and abdominal discomfort. However, a patient may experience some or none of these symptoms, yet still suffer from parathyroid disease.

The parathyroid glands control how much calcium is released from the bones through the action of PTH on osteoclasts. These cells break down bone. Osteoblasts are the cells that build bone. Together, the osteoclasts and osteoblasts work to constantly build up and break down bone material. With an elevated PTH due to an abnormal parathyroid gland, patients continually lose calcium from their bones faster than they replace it. This leads to thinning of the bones and eventually osteoporosis.

Kidney stones, or nephrolithiasis, is the condition where a solid piece of material or "stone" forms in the kidney or ureter. Signs of kidney stones include back or flank pain, blood in the urine, fever, chills or a burning sensation when urinating. Kidney stones can be one of the most painful and significant side effects of hyperparathyroidism. The higher calcium concentration in the urine creates an environment that makes the urine more favorable to the formation of kidney stones.

Some patients to do not exhibit overly high blood calcium levels or the most severe symptoms associated with primary hyperparathyroidism . Blood calcium levels that are only slightly elevated above normal may be a sign that a parathyroid problem exists. Levels can fluctuate from day to day, and every patient reacts differently to elevated calcium levels.

Elevated calcium levels alone, without further symptoms, is a sign of a problem!

A ‘wait and see’ approach is not advised if there is a suspicion of hyperparathyroidism. Even if the calcium levels do not rise further than slightly elevated levels, there is still damage being done to your bones and skeletal system. The long-term effects of this damage can be severe and permanent. In nearly all cases, there is a need for parathyroid surgery to remove the diseased gland.

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