Parathyroid

Surgery of the Parathyroid Glands

Each of the four parathyroid glands, about the size of a grain of rice, are located near the thyroid. A very small amount of parathyroid tissue may be found in the chest behind the breastbone. The parathyroid tissue controls the level of calcium in the blood, which is crucial for muscle function and strength, as well as for the conduction of electrical currents along the nerves.

Although the parathyroid and thyroid glands are close and both are part of the endocrine system, their functions are different and not related. The thyroid regulates metabolism, while the parathyroid regulates calcium levels.

Surgery of the parathyroid glands may be necessary if one or more are:

• Overactive
• Cancerous (a rare condition)

Surgery to remove a parathyroid gland is called a parathyroidectomy. This procedure is essential to restore the balance of calcium in the blood, ensuring proper muscle and nerve function.