{"id":1411,"date":"2026-05-16T12:45:59","date_gmt":"2026-05-16T16:45:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/?page_id=1411"},"modified":"2026-05-19T15:43:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T19:43:36","slug":"parathyroid-care-diagnosis-and-surgical-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.saintjohnscancer.org\/endocrine\/diagnosis-and-treatment\/parathyroid-care-diagnosis-and-surgical-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Parathyroid Care: Diagnosis and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":null,"protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":0,"parent":47,"menu_order":2,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1411","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":{"layers":[{"acf_fc_layout":"layer_content_sidebar","layer_label":"","layer_headline":"","layer_intro":"","layer_content":"
\"Saint
Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, CA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Parathyroid disorders affect calcium balance in the body and can impact bone health, kidney function, and overall well-being. When calcium levels become elevated or abnormal, patients may experience symptoms such as fatigue, bone loss, or kidney stones, or the condition may be detected through routine blood testing. <\/p>\n

At Saint John\u2019s Health Center, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for parathyroid conditions, with a focus on precise evaluation and effective, minimally invasive surgical care. <\/p>\n

What Is the Parathyroid?<\/h2>\n
\"Thyroid
The parathyroid glands are located on both sides and along the rear of the thyroid gland.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located behind the thyroid in the neck. They regulate calcium levels in the blood, which are essential for proper nerve function, muscle contraction, and bone strength. When one or more of these glands become overactive\u2014a condition known as \/endocrine\/conditions\/hyperparathyroidism\/>\u2014calcium levels can rise, sometimes without noticeable symptoms at first. Over time, this can lead to complications such as bone loss, kidney stones, fatigue, or cognitive changes.\n <\/p>\n

Parathyroid Imaging<\/h2>\n

\n Imaging plays an important role in preparing for parathyroid surgery by helping locate the affected gland. While blood tests confirm the diagnosis, imaging allows for a more targeted and efficient surgical approach. Depending on the clinical situation, imaging may include ultrasound or specialized nuclear imaging. Identifying the abnormal gland in advance allows for minimally invasive techniques and improves surgical precision.\n <\/p>\n

Parathyroidectomy<\/h2>\n

\n Parathyroidectomy is the definitive treatment for hyperparathyroidism and involves removal of the overactive parathyroid gland or glands. Parathyroidectomy<\/a> Surgery may be recommended when calcium levels are elevated, symptoms are present, or there is concern for long-term complications affecting bone density, kidney function, or overall metabolic health.\n <\/p>\n

\n

What to Expect<\/h3>\n

\n Most parathyroid procedures are performed using minimally invasive techniques that allow the surgeon to target the abnormal gland through a small incision. This approach often results in less discomfort, shorter operative times, and faster recovery compared with traditional open surgery.<\/p>\n

Many patients return home the same day and resume normal daily activities within several days, although recovery timelines vary depending on the extent of surgery and the patient\u2019s overall health.\n <\/p>\n

Hormone Balance and Calcium Regulation After Surgery<\/h3>\n

Most patients retain enough healthy parathyroid tissue to maintain normal calcium regulation after surgery. The remaining glands typically continue producing parathyroid hormone (PTH), which helps regulate calcium balance in the blood and bones.<\/p>\n

After surgery, calcium levels are monitored closely because temporary fluctuations may occur as the body adjusts. Some patients experience short-term low calcium levels while the remaining glands recover normal function, particularly if multiple glands were overactive or removed. Learn more about Hormone Therapy<\/a> for endocrine conditions.<\/p>\n

Long-Term Care and Follow-Up<\/h3>\n

Long-term outcomes after parathyroidectomy are generally very favorable. Many patients experience normalization of calcium levels shortly after surgery and may notice gradual improvement in symptoms such as fatigue, bone discomfort, kidney stone risk, or cognitive \u201cbrain fog\u201d over time.<\/p>\n

Follow-up care may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n