Parathyroid AdenomaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Parathyroid Adenoma
A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck, near or attached to the back side of the thyroid gland.
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The parathyroid glands in the neck help regulate calcium absorption, use, and removal by the body. They do this by producing parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH helps regulate calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D levels in the blood and bones. It is important for healthy bones.
Parathyroid adenomas are common. Most parathyroid adenomas do not have an identified cause. Sometimes a genetic problem is the cause. This is more common if the diagnosis is made when you are young.
Parathyroid adenomas may occur in people without a family history of the disease or as part of 3 inherited syndromes:
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia I (MEN I)
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia IIA (MEN IIA)
- Isolated familial hyperparathyroidism
In people with an inherited syndrome, a changed (variant) gene is passed down through the family. You only need to get the gene from one parent to develop the condition.
- In MEN I, problems in the parathyroid glands occur as well as tumors in the pituitary gland and pancreas.
- In MEN IIA, overactivity of the parathyroid glands occurs, along with tumors in the adrenal or thyroid gland.
Conditions that stimulate the parathyroid glands to get bigger can also cause an adenoma. These include:
- Genetic disorders
- Taking the medicine lithium
- Chronic kidney disease
Women over age 60 have the highest risk for developing this condition. Radiation to the head or neck also increases the risk.
Many people have no symptoms. The condition is often discovered when blood tests are done for another medical reason and people are found to have elevated calcium levels.
Parathyroid adenomas are the most common cause of hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands), which leads to an increased blood calcium level. Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Bone pain or tenderness
- Confusion
- Depression and forgetfulness
- Feeling tired, ill, and weak
- Fragile bones of the limbs and spine that can break easily
- Increased amount of urine produced and needing to urinate more often (polyuria)
- Kidney stones
- Nausea and loss of appetite
Surgery is the most common treatment, and it often cures the condition. For those people who cannot have surgery or choose not to, there is medical therapy with a pill. But, some people choose to only have regular checkups with their health care provider if the condition is mild.
To help improve the condition, your provider may ask you to stop taking calcium and vitamin D supplements. Women who have gone through menopause may want to discuss treatment with estrogen or other medicines to prevent bone loss.
The Johns Hopkins Hospital
William Simonds is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Simonds is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parathyroid Adenoma. He is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia, Parathyroid Adenoma, Parathyroidectomy, and Thymectomy. Dr. Simonds is board certified in American Board Of Internal Medicine.
Swedish Head And Neck Surgery
Dr. Joseph Sniezek is the Medical Director of Head & Neck Endocrine Surgery for Swedish Health Services. Dr. Sniezek graduated from West Point in 1990 and the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in 1994. After completing an Otolaryngology residency in 1999, he performed a two-year fellowship at Vanderbilt in head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgery. He has served as a department chief, residency program director, and subsequently as the Consultant to the Surgeon General of the Army for Otolaryngology/Head & Neck Surgery. His clinical practice focuses on the treatment of head and neck masses and tumors, with a particular interest in thyroid and parathyroid disease. In 2015, he was elected Teacher of the Year by the Swedish General Surgery Residency. He completed a Masters in Business Administration at the University of Washington in 2016. Dr. Sniezek has also been perennially recognized with Seattle Met and Seattle Magazine's Top Doctor award. Dr. Sniezek is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parathyroid Adenoma. He is also highly rated in 16 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Parathyroid Adenoma, Parathyroid Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, Thyroidectomy, and Parathyroidectomy. Dr. Sniezek is board certified in American Board Of Otolaryngology - Head And Neck Surgery. Dr. Sniezek is currently accepting new patients.
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center
Naifa Busaidy is an Endocrinologist practicing medicine in Houston, Texas. Dr. Busaidy is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Parathyroid Adenoma. She is also highly rated in 20 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Thyroid Cancer, Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer, Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma, Thyroidectomy, and Parathyroidectomy.
When treated, the outlook is generally good.
Osteoporosis, which increases the risk for bone fractures, is the most common concern.
Other complications are less common, but may include:
- Calcium deposits in the kidneys that can reduce kidney function (nephrocalcinosis)
- Softened, weak areas in the bones (osteitis fibrosa)
Complications from surgery include:
- Damage to a nerve that controls your voice
- Damage to the parathyroid glands, which can cause permanent hypoparathyroidism (lack of enough PTH) and low calcium level
Contact your provider if you have symptoms of this condition.
Background: * Endocrine neoplasms (tumors) are among the fastest growing tumors in incidence in the United States. Furthermore, it is often difficult to distinguish between benign or malignant tumors in cancers of the thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal gland, and pancreas. More research is needed to improve detection and treatment options for patients who develop these kinds of cancer. * Researchers are interested...
Background: People have 4 parathyroid glands near the thyroid gland in the neck. Surgery is needed to remove a parathyroid gland that is too large or has a tumor. These glands can be in different places, so doctors use an imaging scan with contrast dye to help find them before surgery. Researchers want to know if a different type of scan and a new tracer can make it easier to find the tumors in the parathyroi...
Published Date: May 18, 2026
Published By: Sandeep K. Dhaliwal, MD, board-certified in Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Springfield, VA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Shonka DC, Reid LM, Russell MD. Management of parathyroid disorders. In: Francis HW, Haughey BH, Hillel AT, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 121.
Thakker RV. The parathyroid glands, hypercalcemia, and hypocalcemia. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 227.
Walker MD, Bilezikian JP. Primary hyperparathyroidism. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology: Basic Science and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 54.