Parathyroid Tumors Program
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Call the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute at 855-776-4224
Experts in parathyroid tumor treatments
The parathyroid glands are in the neck and are part of your endocrine system. They produce hormones that control how much calcium is in your blood. Different conditions can cause a parathyroid gland to make too much hormone, resulting in osteoporosis, kidney stones, and other health problems.
The Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute is home to one of the largest, most established programs to treat parathyroid tumors in the country. In 1926, we pioneered the first operation for hyperparathyroidism. Now, we utilize the most advanced pre-operative localization techniques and perform hundreds of parathyroid surgeries every year. Additionally, our specialists are involved in clinical trials to find better therapies for patients with parathyroid cancer.
Our approach to care for parathyroid tumors
Our diagnostic specialists (pathologists) are world leaders in diagnosing parathyroid tumors and using advanced, molecular diagnostic testing when appropriate.
Depending on your symptoms, you may receive one or more of these tests:
- Blood test to measure levels of parathyroid hormones, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium
- Genetic test to look for genes that can cause hyperparathyroidism
- Imaging scans, including ultrasound and 4D CT scans
- Parathyroid scan using nuclear medicine technology
- Fine needle aspiration biopsy
We have particular expertise in evaluating and treating patients with genetic conditions affecting the parathyroid.
We have doctors who specialize in evaluating and treating patients with inherited genetic syndromes that cause hyperparathyroidism (overactive parathyroid glands).
Our specialists also have the expertise to distinguish primary hyperparathyroidism from conditions that cause similar symptoms, such as secondary hyperparathyroidism or familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia.
Our surgeons performed the first successful surgery for hyperparathyroidism in 1926. Today, we’re nationally known for having the most specialized surgeons who treat parathyroid and endocrine disorders.
We specialize in minimally invasive parathyroidectomy to remove a diseased gland when appropriate. Benefits of this approach include:
- Small incisions and minimal scarring
- Limited neck exploration to find and remove only the diseased gland
- Parathyroid hormone monitoring during surgery
Treatment for all types of thyroid tumors and cancers
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