Parathyroid Adenoma — Antalya Patient Information Center
A parathyroid adenoma is a benign enlargement of one of the parathyroid glands located behind the thyroid, and is the most common cause of primary hyperparathyroidism. It can lead to elevated blood calcium, bone loss, kidney stones and fatigue. Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ offers detailed imaging, endocrinology co-management and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy in Antalya.
What is a parathyroid adenoma?
Parathyroid glands secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium. When one gland develops an adenoma, uncontrolled PTH release raises blood calcium — a condition called primary hyperparathyroidism.
Symptoms
Early symptoms may be mild. Common findings include:
- Fatigue, weakness, difficulty concentrating
- Bone and joint pain, loss of bone density
- Kidney stones, frequent urination, thirst
- Nausea, poor appetite, constipation
- Mood changes, depressive symptoms
When to see a doctor?
Evaluation is recommended for:
- Elevated calcium on blood tests
- Recurrent kidney stones
- Osteoporosis at a young age
- Unexplained chronic fatigue
- Family history of parathyroid/endocrine disease
Diagnostic methods
Diagnosis combines biochemistry and imaging:
- Serum calcium, ionised calcium, PTH, vitamin D, phosphorus
- 24-hour urine calcium
- Neck ultrasound
- Sestamibi parathyroid scintigraphy (Tc-99m MIBI)
- 4D-CT or MRI when needed
Treatment options
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for symptomatic and selected asymptomatic patients:
- Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy (focused): small incision when a single adenoma is well localised
- Bilateral neck exploration: for multi-gland disease or non-localised cases
- Intraoperative rapid PTH assay to confirm success
- Surveillance: in selected mild, asymptomatic cases with calcium/PTH/bone monitoring
Surgical process
Performed under general anaesthesia via a 2–4 cm neck incision. The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes. Intraoperative PTH drop confirms complete adenoma removal.
Recovery and follow-up
Most patients are discharged within 1 day. Transient low calcium in the first days is managed with calcium and vitamin D supplementation. Follow-up at week 1, month 1 and month 6; annual calcium-PTH monitoring is recommended thereafter.
Process in Antalya
Op.Dr.Gökhan ATEŞ practises in Muratpaşa, Antalya and evaluates patients from Konyaaltı, Lara, Kepez and abroad. Care is coordinated with endocrinology, nephrology and nuclear medicine when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a parathyroid adenoma cancer?+
No. A parathyroid adenoma is benign. Parathyroid cancer is very rare and presents differently.
Does every high calcium need surgery?+
No. Surgery is offered for symptomatic patients, markedly elevated calcium, kidney stones, bone loss or young age; other cases may be followed.
Can surgery cause permanent voice change?+
Permanent hoarseness is uncommon. Intraoperative nerve monitoring and experienced surgical technique minimise the risk.
When can I return to work?+
Desk work is usually possible within 3–5 days; 1–2 weeks are advised for heavy physical work.
Do I need lifelong calcium tablets after surgery?+
No. Calcium and vitamin D are usually needed only for a transient period; permanent replacement is required in very few patients.
What if the sestamibi scan is negative?+
If biochemistry is clear, imaging such as ultrasound and 4D-CT can localise the gland; bilateral exploration is an alternative.
Do you accept international patients?+
Yes. Initial consultation via WhatsApp; English, German and Russian are available.
This content is for general information only; diagnosis and treatment require an individual medical evaluation.