Hyperparathyroidism

Lots of my friends and families were pretty shocked when they found out that I had hyper parathyroid surgery. I actually took days of work, flew back to Msia and did the surgery all in the span of two weeks without telling many of my friends and families. I have still not told my grandparents about it as I was afraid it might worry both of them.

So basically for those who don't really know or are not familiar with this illness - explanations are below. Taken from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperparathyroidism

The parathyroid glands are small endocrine glands in the neck, usually located behind the thyroid gland, which produce parathyroid hormone. In rare cases the parathyroid glands are located within the thyroid glands.

The parathyroid glands are four or more small glands located on the posterior surface of the thyroid gland. Histologically they are quite easily recognizable from the thyroid as they have densely packed cells in contrast with the follicle structure of the thyroid.However at surgery they are harder to differentiate from the thyroid or fat.

The sole function of the parathyroid glands is to maintain the body's calcium level within a very narrow range, so that the nervous and muscular systems can function properly.
When blood calcium levels drop below a certain point, calcium-sensing receptors in the parathyroid gland are activated to release hormone into the blood.

Parathyroid hormone (PTH, also known as parathormone) is a small protein that takes part in the control of calcium and phosphate homeostasis, as well as bone physiology. Parathyroid hormone has effects antagonistic to those of calcitonin. It increases blood calcium levels by stimulating osteoclasts to break down bone and release calcium. It also increases gastrointestinal calcium absorption by activating vitamin D, and promotes calcium uptake by the kidneys.


The single major disease of parathyroid glands is overactivity of one or more of the parathyroid lobes, which make too much parathyroid hormone causing a potentially serious calcium imbalance. This is called hyperparathyroidism; it leads to hypercalcemia and osteitis fibrosa cystica. Since hyperparathyroidism was first described in 1925, the symptoms have become known as "moans, groans, stones, and bones." The primary treatment for this disease is the surgical removal of the faulty gland.


Modern high frequency ultrasound can see parathyroid masses, even before they cause high calcium. They are called parathyroid incidentalomas. If a patient has elevated calcium, the ultrasound can be used to locate the abnormal glands. The use of ultrasound guided FNA, and parathyroid hormone washings can confirm the abnormal glands. A blood calcium 15-30 minutes after the biopsy can help determine if the disease is caused by a single abnormal gland or multiple glands.


A drop in serum calcium suggests a single source, and no drop suggests multiple glands. This, with a non-localizing Sestamibi scan would point toward a neck exploration, rather than a minimally invasive method aimed a single gland disease.

A Sestamibi scan is often used to determine which parathyroid gland(s) are responsible for overproduction of parathyroid hormone.

(A picture of my neck before the surgery)

So basically after the scan, i was confirmed suffering from hyperthyroidism. I did the surgery which was 2 hours, got a 2cm cut front of my neck and was out within a day after surgery. It wasn't a very tedious surgery but I was very lucky to have not loose my voice as the glands are located very close to my voice box.

I have to thank Dr. K.T Ong at SJMC who has done such a good job!!! I have to say the scar isn't as bad as I thought it would as the wound was sewn inside and the skin was left to heal on it own. After a while the thread used to sewn my wound would dissolve in my body, I am pleasantly surprise to hear that - how medical has advanced so much!!

(A picture of my neck after surgery, see the 2cm scar)

I didn't know about my illness until I have decided to go for a full body check up. There I found that my calcium level was way to high than normal. This lead me to find out about my illness. My best advise is to go for a full body check up every year if possible.