Abnormal Parathyroid Glands

The parathyroid glands are located at the bottom of the neck, behind the thyroid glands. These tiny glands are roughly the size of a grain of rice, but play an important role in the function of the body.

Find your ENT Request Appointment

The parathyroid glands produce a hormone that maintains the balance of calcium in the bloodstream, as well as in tissues that use calcium to function. If the parathyroid gland produces too much or too little of the parathyroid hormone, it can adversely affect the body resulting in osteoporosis, kidney stones, pancreatitis, and ulcers.

Abnormal Parathyroid Gland Treatment Options

In some cases, vitamins or medications may be used to help patients find some relief — although surgery is the most common treatment method. Parathyroid surgery, also known as a parathyroidectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parathyroid glands.

The surgeon creates a small incision under the neck to access the parathyroid glands, and will then place the incision in a well-concealed area so there will be little visible scarring. Once the parathyroid gland has been fully or partially removed, you’ll begin to see relief from your symptoms.

What Are Abnormal Parathyroid Glands?

Abnormal parathyroid glands either produce too much or too little parathyroid hormone (PTH). This hormone is responsible for regulating the calcium in the blood and tissue. When certain areas of the body have an excess or deficiency of calcium, they can overreact, resulting in side effects that impact daily life.

At Texas ENT Specialists, we first determine if a patient has abnormal parathyroid glands — and then if so, we set them on a course for recovery.

Symptoms of Abnormal Parathyroid Glands

Kidney stones
Decreased kidney function
Frequent urination
Aches and pains
Osteoporosis
Ulcers
Heart disease
Pancreatitis

The Texas ENT Specialists Difference

Texas ENT Specialists offers patients across Houston comprehensive ENT care. Our offices were founded in 1997 with the goal of helping patients improve their health and, in turn, improve their quality of life. We have set ourselves apart in the ENT industry through our:

Personalized Treatment

We know that each patient is unique, and believe that their treatment should be tailored to meet their unique needs.

Top-Rated Physician Network

Our locations are staffed with a network of top-rated physicians who offer patients years of training and expertise.

Centers of Excellence

We utilize the latest in medical technology and patient services to ensure that patients have a seamless experience from start to finish.

Continuity of Care

Our providers work with patients to help obtain long-term relief from symptoms — not just short-term “Band-Aid” solutions.

Who Can Parathyroid Conditions Affect?

Although parathyroid conditions can also be found in those with other certain medical conditions or those who have undergone certain treatments, they are typically found in those who have:

Severe or prolonged calcium or vitamin D deficiencies
Chronic kidney failure
A growth on the parathyroid gland
Enlargement of the parathyroid glands