Parathyroid disorders disrupt the balance of calcium in the blood, which can lead to a number of conditions. Treatment for parathyroid disorders is aimed at correcting this imbalance.

The options for treating parathyroid disorders include surgical procedures and medications. The appropriate treatment will depend on whether the patient has overactive or underactive parathyroid glands, as well as if the disorder is causing symptoms.

The four parathyroid glands, located in the throat, are responsible for regulating the amount of calcium in the blood. Patients with hyperparathyroidism produce too much parathyroid hormone, which weakens bones by removing calcium and contributes to kidney stones. Hypoparathyroidism means there is not enough calcium in the blood for nerve cells and muscles to function normally. As a result, patients may experience tingling sensations in the extremities, prolonged muscle spasms and a loss of consciousness.

Hyperparathyroidism is the most common parathyroid disorder and can be treated with a parathyroidectomy. This is the surgical removal of one or more parathyroid glands. If the surgeon can identify which gland is overactive prior to the procedure, a minimally invasive procedure may be all that is necessary. If multiple parathyroid glands must be inspected or removed, the surgery requires a larger incision.

Parathyroidectomies are highly successful treatments for hyperparathyroidism. More than 95 percent of patients are cured after the procedure, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). However, some patients may have hyperparathyroidism with no symptoms and choose to forgo treatment until symptoms appear or monitoring tests show the disorder is progressing.