How is hyperparathyroidism treated?
For most people with this condition the best treatment is surgery (parathyroidectomy) to remove the affected gland. This is not for everyone however. The decision for or against surgery needs to be made in discussion with each patient, taking into account many factors including age, the level of the blood calcium and the presence or absence of other medical conditions. People who do not have surgery need to be kept under surveillance with occasional checks on the blood chemistry. What is secondary hyperparathyroidism? Increased levels of parathyroid hormone in the blood may result from many conditions in which the blood calcium level is reduced. The most common are renal insufficiency and vitamin D deficiency (osteomalacia and rickets). The treatment is that of the underlying cause and specialist advice may be needed. What is familial benign hypercalcaemia? This is an uncommon condition which in the past has been confused with primary hyperparathyroidism. In fact a few patients with th
