Parathyroid Glands

These small glands lie just next to or are sometimes embedded within the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the neck.  More than 9 out of 10 (90%) of MEN1 patients will develop a parathyroid growth.  These growths release large amounts of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and so can be easily found using blood and urine tests.  Some symptoms of an untreated parathyroid growth include irritability, ulcers, kidney stones, pancreatitis, bone fractures, osteoporosis, tiredness, muscle or bone pain, indigestion, poor memory and constipation.  However most patients will have very few of these symptoms particularly when diagnosed and treated early on.  At the moment, the recommended treatment for parathyroid growths is a relatively small operation to remove all of the glands, and involves only a few days in hospital.  Possible medications to control parathyroid growth are currently being researched.  After parathyroid glands are removed, patients may have to take a Vitamin D capsule to help the body absorb calcium.