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Parathyroid Biopsy
Alternate Names : Biopsy - Parathyroid
 See all Pictures & Images
How is the Test Performed?
The parathyroid glands are located in the throat near the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps control the body's calcium levels.
A parathyroid biopsy most often is performed as the first part of a surgical procedure to examine and/or remove these glands, usually because of hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium) caused by hyperparathyroidism (increased parathyroid hormone production).
Hyperparathyroidism can be a primary condition (parathyroid hyperplasia) or it can be a secondary condition caused by a tumor of the parathyroid gland.
For the biopsy, you will be under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation (breathing tube placed in the airway). The physician will make an incision in the lower neck above the sternum. The thyroid gland is identified and may be rotated to enable the parathyroid glands to be located The number and exact location of the parathyroid glands can vary from individual to individual. Usually, there are between three and seven, most commonly four).
A sample may be cut from the parathyroid glands, or an entire gland may be removed. The tissue is sent to the laboratory for examination.
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• Definition
• Why is the Test Performed?
• How is the Test Performed?
• How to Prepare for the Test?
• How will the Test Feel?
• Normal Values
• What do Abnormal Results Mean?
• Risks
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Cancer
• Hyperparathyroidism
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) I
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) II
• Parathyroid Adenoma
• Parathyroid Hyperplasia
• Tumor
Tests & Exams
• Biopsy
• Calcium - Ionized
• Endotracheal Intubation
• PTH
Other Topics
• Adolescent Test or Procedure Preparation
• Bleeding Into the Skin
• Breathing Difficulty
• Infant Test/Procedure Preparation
• Preschooler Test/Procedure Preparation
• School Age Test/Procedure Preparation
• Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation
Review Date : 11/7/2002
Reviewed By : William G. Wang, M.D., Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, California Pacific Medical Center, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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