PARATHYROIDS GLANDS
Several milligrams essential for our body.
The parathyroids, small pea-sized glands, which regulate blood calcium levels. It`s necessary to preserve them during thyroid surgery.
Parathyroid gland adenoma is a frequent benign tumor of the parathyroid glands.
70% of the patients have adenoma of one parathyroid gland.
30% of the patients have adenoma of two parathyroid glands.
The statistics explain why it`s necessary to precise the number and the location of eventual adenomas before surgery with the help of such examinations as thyroid ultrasound and scintigraphy.
Following the link below you will find Parathyroid Imaging Clinical Practice Guidelines (EANM, 2021) - https://reference.medscape.com/viewarticle/950047
These examinations are not reliable for 100%. That is why during surgery when adenoma is removed, a control of parathormone level is made. In case of doubt, the surgeon must control the other parathyroid glands.