The parathyroid glands are four small glands near the thyroid that regulate calcium in your blood. A tumour, almost always benign, on one of these glands is the most common cause of high calcium levels found on a blood test.
Signs Worth Getting Checked
Should You Be Worried?
Parathyroid tumours are almost always benign, so a diagnosis is not the frightening finding it might sound like. What matters is confirming which of the four glands is involved and addressing it, since untreated high calcium can affect your bones and kidneys over time.
What Raises Your Risk
Parathyroid tumours usually develop with no identifiable cause. Risk is slightly higher with prior radiation exposure to the neck, and in rare cases, an inherited genetic condition affecting multiple glands.
How It's Diagnosed
Blood tests to confirm high calcium and parathyroid hormone levels.
Imaging, usually a sestamibi scan or ultrasound, to locate the affected gland.
Bone density and kidney function checks to assess any impact so far.
How It's Treated
- Parathyroidectomy, surgical removal of the affected gland, is the definitive treatment.
- A focused, minimally invasive approach is used when imaging clearly identifies the affected gland.
- Robotic parathyroidectomy is available for suitable cases, offering a scar free option.
- Calcium levels are monitored closely after surgery until they stabilise.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, the vast majority are benign. Surgery is still recommended because the tumour is what is causing your high calcium levels.
Untreated high calcium can gradually affect your bones, kidneys and energy levels over time, which is why evaluation is recommended.
A sestamibi scan or ultrasound is used to identify which of the four glands is overactive before planning surgery.
It is often a focused, minimally invasive procedure when the affected gland is clearly identified beforehand, with many patients going home the same day.
Yes, that is one of the most common reasons patients are referred for evaluation.
Book Your Parathyroid Tumour Consultation in Pune
A high calcium result deserves a clear answer, not repeat testing alone. Dr Vidita Powle Danait provides expert parathyroid tumour diagnosis and surgery in Pune.