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Parathyroid adenoma

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• Symptoms
• Treatment

Definition:

Parathyroid adenomas are non-cancerous (benign) tumors of the parathyroid glands, which are located in the neck.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The parathyroid glands help control the break down of calcium in the body. Parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism , which leads to high levels of calcium in the blood ( hypercalcemia ).

Parathyroid adenomas are generally caused by a problem with your genes.

Women over 60 are at highest risk. Radiation to your head or neck also increase your risk.

• Review Date: 8/14/2006
• Reviewed By: Robert Hurd, MD, Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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