Parathyroid Disease Awareness Group: Norman Parathyroid Center

12/22/2025

Patients with hyperparathyroidism from around the globe travel to have parathyroid surgery with the Norman Parathyroid Center team at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery in Tampa, Florida. For more than 25 years, we have been the #1 center for parathyroid surgery in the world--more than 15 times any other hospital.

Learn more and become our patient here: https://www.parathyroid.com/patient

12/19/2025

Interesting Case of the Week with Dr. Luke Watkins 🩺✨

A 66-year-old man was found to have elevated calcium during routine blood work related to his prostate cancer. Further evaluation showed a calcium level of 11 and a markedly elevated PTH of 173. Although his symptoms were mild, he chose to proceed with surgery.

Preoperative ultrasound did not identify an enlarged parathyroid gland, but a nuclear medicine scan revealed abnormal uptake deep in the chest, 7.1 cm below the sternal notch. During surgery, the neck parathyroid glands appeared normal. Thymic tissue was identified—an organ that often migrates with the lower parathyroid glands—and the abnormal parathyroid was found within the thymus and successfully removed.

The patient recovered well, with postoperative PTH dropping to 19, confirming cure. This case highlights why blood work establishes the diagnosis and imaging is used to guide surgery—and why expert evaluation matters 💙

The Norman Parathyroid Center has performed more parathyroid operations than any institution worldwide. Learn more at: https://www.parathyroid.com/about-parathyroid.htm

12/17/2025

Did You Know?🩺✨

Advances in parathyroid surgery have significantly improved outcomes and recovery for patients. Minimally Invasive Radioguided Parathyroid Surgery (MIRP) offers a highly precise, low-risk approach with smaller incisions, lighter anesthesia, faster recovery, and exceptional cure rates when performed by experienced endocrine surgeons.

At the Norman Parathyroid Center, MIRP is the standard of care for appropriately selected patients, helping patients return to normal life quickly and safely.

Learn more about the MIRP procedure and its benefits here: https://www.parathyroid.com/mini-surgery.htm

12/15/2025

From all of us at the Hospital for Endocrine Surgery, we wish you a bright and meaningful Hanukkah. May the Festival of Lights bring warmth, joy, and good health to you and your family. 🕎✨

12/12/2025

Interesting Case of the Week with Dr. Drew Rhodes

This young woman traveled to us from Virginia after years of struggling without answers. Her local providers were unable to explain why she felt so poorly for so long—likely dating back to 2015, when her calcium was already 10.5. She suffered from daily bone pain, fatigue, low energy, insomnia, headaches, muscle weakness, and significant brain fog.

Her labs told the story clearly. Calcium levels in hyperparathyroidism can fluctuate, but when multiple readings show calcium above 10 and the PTH is not suppressed, the diagnosis is established and curative surgery is indicated.

In surgery, we found and removed a left upper adenoma (a single enlarged parathyroid gland). Her PTH dropped from 162 pre-op to 22 in the recovery room, confirming cure. We call every patient after surgery—and when I spoke with her, she already felt dramatically better. Her headaches were gone, and she was out enjoying dinner with her family after spending the afternoon sightseeing, including a visit to the Dali Museum.

Learn more about hyperparathyroidism symptoms: https://www.parathyroid.com/parathyroid-symptoms.htm
Become a patient: https://www.parathyroid.com/patient

12/10/2025

Did You Know?😮

More than one in four hyperparathyroidism patients actually develop two parathyroid tumors, and routine scans often miss the second one entirely. This is one of the leading reasons patients experience failed parathyroid surgery.

At the Norman Parathyroid Center, our surgeons examine all four parathyroid glands during every operation, ensuring hidden tumors aren’t missed and patients receive a true, lasting cure. 💙 Experience matters, and thorough evaluation is the difference between temporary improvement and complete resolution of the disease🔬

Learn more about causes of parathyroid disease here: https://www.parathyroid.com/causes.htm

12/09/2025

We’re thrilled to invite you to another LIVE Q&A session with Dr. Jamie Mitchell on Monday, December 9th, from 3:00–3:30 PM ET.

During this interactive event, Dr. Mitchell will discuss everything you’ve wanted to know about the parathyroid glands and parathyroid disease—including common symptoms, how the condition is diagnosed, when surgery is needed, and what patients can expect during recovery. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, searching for answers, or simply want to learn more, this session is designed to give you clear, accurate information directly from one of the world’s leading parathyroid experts.

You’ll be able to submit questions live, but if you can’t join us in real time, feel free to drop your questions in the comments ahead of time—we’ll do our best to include them during the Q&A. And if you miss the event, a full replay will remain available on our page so you can watch at your convenience.

Mark your calendar, share with friends or family who may benefit, and join us for an educational and engaging conversation!

12/05/2025

Interesting Case of the Week: Mistaken Identity with Dr. Kevin Parrack

Today’s interesting case involves a patient who began experiencing pressure in her neck during workouts, prompting her doctor to order a CT scan. The imaging revealed a large neck mass—but its identity wasn’t clear.

Fortunately, her primary care physician dug deeper and discovered that her calcium and PTH levels were both elevated. Even though the mass didn’t resemble a typical parathyroid adenoma, she was referred to us for expert evaluation of possible parathyroid disease.

During surgery, Dr. Parrack uncovered and removed an unusually large parathyroid tumor. For perspective: a normal parathyroid gland is about the size of a grain of rice, and most tumors we remove measure roughly 1 cm. This patient’s tumor was over 4 cm—a dramatic and rare finding.

🎥 Watch the full video to follow her case, see live surgical footage, and hear how she’s doing now: https://youtu.be/5CEc3phFh5A

If you suspect parathyroid disease or want an expert evaluation, we’re here to help. Become our patient here: https://www.parathyroid.com/patient

Today's patient was experiencing pressure in her neck and underwent a CT scan. A large mass was found in the neck, though it was unclear exactly what it was....

12/03/2025

Did You Know 🔍🩺

Most people never find out what type of kidney stone they had, but nearly 95% of all stones are calcium stones. That matters because many calcium stones are caused by an overactive parathyroid gland, a treatable condition that often goes undiagnosed.

Even if your stone was never caught or analyzed, there’s a strong chance it was calcium-based. That’s why anyone with a history of kidney stones should have their calcium and PTH levels checked. A simple blood test can reveal whether hyperparathyroidism is the reason you’re forming stones — and addressing it can stop them from coming back.

Learn more here: https://www.parathyroid.com/kidney-stones.htm