Parathyroid biopsy

Alternative names:

biopsy - parathyroid

How the test is performed:

A parathyroid biopsy most often is performed as part of a surgical procedure to examine and/or remove the parathyroid glands, usually because of hypercalcemia (increased blood calcium) caused by hyperparathyroidism (increased PTH production). This can be a primary condition (parathyroid hyperplasia) or secondary to tumor (adenoma or adenocarcinoma) of the parathyroid gland.

Under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation (breathing tube placed in the airway), an incision is made in the lower neck approximately 2 cm. above the "collar bones" (clavicles). The thyroid gland is identified and may be rotated to enable the parathyroid glands to be located (the number and exact location of the parathyroid glands can vary from individual to individual). All (or a portion) of removed parathyroid gland is sent to the laboratory for examination.

How to prepare for the test:

Fasting for 6 to 8 hours is recommended before any surgery using general anesthesia.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

After the surgery, there may be some soreness of the neck incision. There can also be a slight sore throat from the breathing tube used during surgery.

Why the test is performed:

This test is most often performed to confirm the cause of hyperparathyroidism (which has been diagnosed based on blood tests and other tests).