The parathyroid

Abstract

Parathyroid diseases that are clinically significant range from hyperplastic glands causing hyperparathyroidism to parathyroid adenomas and carcinomas. Parathyroid hyperplasia can involve primary or secondary disease and tertiary hyperparathyroidism from chronic renal disease and other conditions. Parathyroid adenomas constitute the major cause of primary hyperparathyroidism while parathyroid carcinomas are uncommon. Some patients with familial diseases may develop hyperparathyroidism or hypoparathyroidism. Some of the more common familial diseases will also be discussed in this chapter. © 2010 Springer-Verlag New York.