Dr. Luu Thao Ngoc, from the Oncology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, reported that Chi Hoa's blood calcium levels were elevated. Her right parathyroid gland contained a vascularized tumor measuring 4,6 x 18,6 mm. The patient's parathyroid hormone (PTH) level was 96 pg/ml, significantly higher than the 16-65 pg/ml range for healthy individuals.

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands located behind the thyroid gland. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH), which regulates calcium levels in the body and maintains normal function of the nervous, muscular, and cardiovascular systems. A parathyroid adenoma can cause the gland to overproduce this hormone, leading to calcium metabolism disorders.

Ultrasound image of Chi Hoa's right parathyroid tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Ultrasound image of Chi Hoa's right parathyroid tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

According to Dr. Ngoc, parathyroid adenomas are often difficult to detect due to non-specific symptoms, which typically become noticeable only after prolonged elevated blood calcium levels. Patients may experience fatigue, bone and joint pain, constipation, nausea, or a mild sensation of something stuck in the throat. Many cases are discovered incidentally during thyroid ultrasound or routine health check-ups.

The subtle symptoms of parathyroid adenomas, combined with their location close behind the thyroid gland, mean tumors are often misdiagnosed as cervical lymph nodes or thyroid nodules on ultrasound, particularly when small. Dr. Ngoc warned that without prompt detection and treatment, prolonged excessively high blood calcium levels can lead to osteoporosis, kidney stones, and cardiovascular complications.

Chi Hoa was advised to undergo surgery to remove the affected parathyroid gland. One week post-operation, her health had stabilized, and blood tests confirmed that both her blood calcium and PTH hormone levels had returned to normal.

Doctors performing endoscopic surgery to remove Chi Hoa's parathyroid tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Doctors performing endoscopic surgery to remove Chi Hoa's parathyroid tumor. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Parathyroid adenomas can occur at any age, but they primarily affect patients in their 50s and 70s. Women face a higher risk than men. The exact cause is currently unknown, but risk factors include genetics and exposure to head and neck radiation.

Dr. Ngoc advises everyone to undergo regular health check-ups and not to overlook persistent symptoms such as fatigue, neck lumps, or bone and joint pain, as these could be signs of parathyroid disease.

Hieu Nguyen

*Patient's name has been changed.