Dr. Jason Cohen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified surgeon and the founder of The Thyroid Institute at Surgery Group LA, with a practice focused on diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands. He performs focused, minimally invasive parathyroidectomy at our Beverly Grove practice adjacent to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.
Hyperparathyroidism results from the overactivity of the parathyroid glands, leading to excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Several factors contribute to the development of this condition:
Hyperparathyroidism develops when one or more of the four parathyroid glands become overactive and release too much parathyroid hormone (PTH), pulling calcium out of the bones and raising blood-calcium levels. The underlying cause shapes the treatment plan.
The most common cause — a single benign growth (adenoma) on one parathyroid gland drives most cases of primary hyperparathyroidism. Removing that one gland typically resolves the disease.
Less commonly, all four glands enlarge and overproduce PTH. This pattern is more often linked to inherited syndromes and may require evaluating more than one gland.
A rare cancerous cause, usually marked by very high calcium and PTH levels. It calls for specialized surgical planning by an experienced endocrine surgeon.
When chronic kidney disease or low vitamin D keeps calcium low, the glands overwork to compensate (secondary). Over time they can become independently overactive (tertiary).
Some hyperparathyroidism runs in families or is part of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), where parathyroid disease appears alongside other endocrine tumors.
A targeted evaluation identifies which pattern you have before surgery, so the operation can be as focused as possible.
The symptoms of hyperparathyroidism can vary greatly, and many of them overlap with symptoms of other conditions—including common thyroid disorders. Therefore, it is important to take a broad look at a patient’s health with a complete blood panel to accurately diagnose hyperparathyroidism. Below, you can get a look at some of the most likely signs and symptoms of parathyroid malfunction, which may prompt you to seek specialized care and parathyroid treatment from The Surgery Group of Los Angeles.
Diagnosis starts with simple blood work and, once confirmed, moves to imaging that pinpoints which gland is overactive — so surgery can be focused and minimally invasive.
Elevated blood calcium together with an inappropriately high PTH level confirms primary hyperparathyroidism. We also check vitamin D and kidney function.
A nuclear-medicine scan that highlights an overactive parathyroid gland, helping locate the culprit before surgery.
A radiation-free image of the parathyroid and thyroid glands that maps anatomy and spots enlarged glands.
A high-resolution CT that adds precise localization when ultrasound and sestamibi are inconclusive.
During surgery we measure PTH in real time. A sharp drop after the overactive gland is removed confirms the cure before the incision is closed.
A DEXA bone-density scan and kidney-stone evaluation help gauge the impact of the disease and guide the decision to operate.
Focused parathyroidectomy is usually an outpatient procedure performed through a small incision. Most patients are surprised by how quick the recovery is.
Most patients go home the same day. You'll have a small neck incision and may notice a mild sore throat or neck discomfort, managed with simple pain relief.
Light activity is encouraged. Many people return to desk work and everyday routines within a few days, following their surgeon's guidance.
The incision continues to heal, and any temporary tingling around the lips or fingertips from calcium shifts typically settles. Short-term calcium or vitamin D supplements are sometimes used.
We recheck calcium and PTH to confirm lasting normal levels, and the scar continues to fade over the following weeks to months.
Your exact timeline depends on the type of surgery and your overall health — we'll review what to expect at your consultation.
An overactive parathyroid gland may lead to high calcium levels, causing kidney stones, fatigue, cardiovascular issues and bone thinning.
Although located near each other, the parathyroid glands regulate calcium levels, while the thyroid gland controls metabolism and energy.
Without treatment, complications like severe bone loss, fractures, or kidney issues can develop.
It’s a targeted surgical procedure that uses small incisions, allowing quicker recovery and minimal scarring.
Most patients resume normal activities within a few days, but it’s best to follow your surgeon’s specific recovery guidelines.
Intraoperative parathyroid hormone (PTH) monitoring is a blood test performed during surgery. Because PTH clears from the blood quickly, a sharp drop after the overactive gland is removed confirms the cure before the incision is closed — and helps make sure no second overactive gland is missed.
A sestamibi scan is a painless nuclear-medicine imaging test that highlights an overactive parathyroid gland. A small amount of tracer is injected, and images are taken over time to help your surgeon pinpoint the gland before surgery so the operation can be focused and minimally invasive.
Surgery Group LA is located in Beverly Grove at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers (8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048), serving Beverly Hills, Century City, West Hollywood, and the greater Los Angeles area.
Some patients take calcium and/or vitamin D for a short time while the remaining glands adjust. We monitor your calcium and PTH levels after surgery and tailor any supplements to your individual needs.
More importantly, our team of world-renowned surgeons have saved countless lives, and have enabled countless more to live healthy, happy lives.
Our practice sits in Beverly Grove at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Office Towers, convenient to patients across the Westside and greater Los Angeles.
Surgery Group LA — 8635 W 3rd St, Suite 880W, Los Angeles, CA 90048. Call (310) 861-7493 to schedule a parathyroid consultation.
For further reading, these independent medical organizations offer patient-friendly information on parathyroid disease and its treatment.
These third-party resources are provided for general education and are not a substitute for a consultation with your surgeon.
Seeking care from hyperparathyroidism specialists is essential for effective management. Our dedicated team of doctors are experienced in hyperparathyroidism treatment, ensuring that you receive expert care tailored to your condition. We're here to answer your questions and guide you on your journey to better health.
