Hyperparathyroidism (patient information): Difference between revisions
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==What are the causes of Hyperparathyroidism?== | ==What are the causes of Hyperparathyroidism?== | ||
In most cases doctors don't know the cause. The vast majority of cases occur in people with no family history of the disorder. Only about 5 percent of cases can be linked to an inherited problem. Familial [[multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1]] is a rare, inherited syndrome that affects the parathyroids as well as the pancreas and the pituitary gland. Another rare genetic disorder, [[familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia]], is sometimes confused with typical hyperparathyroidism. Each accounts for about 2 percent of primary hyperparathyroidism cases. | |||
==Who is at risk for Hyperparathyroidism?== | ==Who is at risk for Hyperparathyroidism?== | ||
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What is Hyperparathyroidism?
If the parathyroid glands secrete too much hormone, as happens in primary hyperparathyroidism, the balance is disrupted: Blood calcium rises. This condition of excessive calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, is what usually signals the doctor that something may be wrong with the parathyroid glands. In 85 percent of people with primary hyperparathyroidism, a benign tumor called an adenoma has formed on one of the parathyroid glands, causing it to become overactive. Benign tumors are noncancerous. In most other cases, the excess hormone comes from two or more enlarged parathyroid glands, a condition called hyperplasia. Very rarely, hyperparathyroidism is caused by cancer of a parathyroid gland.
This excess PTH triggers the release of too much calcium into the bloodstream. The bones may lose calcium, and too much calcium may be absorbed from food. The levels of calcium may increase in the urine, causing kidney stones. PTH also lowers blood phosphorus levels by increasing excretion of phosphorus in the urine.
What are the symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism?
- Back pain
- Blurred vision (because of cataracts)
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Decreased height
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Fractures of long bones
- Increased urine output
- Increased thirst
- Itchy skin
- Joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Personality changes
- Stupor and possibly coma
- Upper abdominal pain
What are the causes of Hyperparathyroidism?
In most cases doctors don't know the cause. The vast majority of cases occur in people with no family history of the disorder. Only about 5 percent of cases can be linked to an inherited problem. Familial multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 is a rare, inherited syndrome that affects the parathyroids as well as the pancreas and the pituitary gland. Another rare genetic disorder, familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, is sometimes confused with typical hyperparathyroidism. Each accounts for about 2 percent of primary hyperparathyroidism cases.
Who is at risk for Hyperparathyroidism?
How to know you have Hyperparathyroidism?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for Hyperparathyroidism
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperparathyroidism
Prevention of Hyperparathyroidism
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)
Possible Complications
Sources
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