Non-Surgical Parathyroid Adenoma Treatment

The parathyroid glands are four small glands located on the back of the thyroid gland in our neck and play a vital role in regulating the body's calcium-phosphorus balance. A benign tumor in one of these glands, called parathyroid adenoma, causes elevated calcium levels in the blood. This condition can lead to various health problems over time, including bone loss, kidney stones, muscle pain, weakness, stomach problems. Today, non-surgical parathyroid adenoma treatment is applied safely, effectively, and quickly through advanced imaging and interventional radiology techniques.
Dr. Atasoy Clinic provides patients with the most advanced treatment technologies used in this field in Turkey.

What is Parathyroid Adenoma?

Parathyroid adenoma is a generally benign tumor characterized by uncontrolled production of parathyroid hormone (PTH) from one of the parathyroid glands. As a result of excessive hormone production, calcium levels in the blood rise (hypercalcemia), and excess calcium is released from bones into the blood.

Symptoms usually develop insidiously, so many patients remain undiagnosed for prolonged periods. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Muscle weakness and fatigue sensation

• Frequent urination and kidney stone formation

• Bone and joint pain

• Nausea and constipation

• Depression, forgetfulness, and concentration disorders

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

When these symptoms are noticed, elevated blood calcium and PTH levels on blood tests strengthen the suspicion of parathyroid adenoma.

How is Diagnosis Made?

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, the diagnostic process is conducted meticulously with advanced imaging methods.

• Blood calcium and PTH measurement: Basic diagnostic criteria.

• Ultrasonography and scintigraphy: Determine the location and size of the adenoma.

• 4D CT (Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography): Advanced imaging technique that pinpoints the tumor location with millimetric precision.

This data forms the foundation for non-surgical treatment planning.

How is Non-Surgical Parathyroid Adenoma Treatment Performed?

Today, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) methods are successfully used in parathyroid adenoma treatment. The goal of these methods is to render adenoma tissue ineffective using heat energy, stopping parathyroid hormone production.
Without surgical incision, the tumor is targeted from the neck using a fine needle under ultrasound guidance.

1. Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)

In this method, a special RF needle is inserted inside the adenoma. The high-frequency energy from the device increases cell internal heat, causing controlled destruction of the tumor.

Advantages:

• Only local anesthesia is applied.

• The procedure takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

• Patient is discharged the same day.

• No neck incisions, stitches, or scars.

• Normal PTH levels are usually reached within 1-2 days.

2. Microwave Ablation (MWA)

Similar to RFA, microwave energy is used to heat the tumor. Microwaves create more homogeneous effects, making them preferred for some large adenomas.
It is distinguished by high success rates, short procedure time, and low complication risk.

3. Ethanol Ablation

In some small adenomas, tumor cells can be disabled through direct ethanol (alcohol) injection. This method is safely applied especially in elderly patients or those with high surgical risk due to additional conditions.

Treatment Process

Before the procedure, routine blood tests and imaging results are obtained from the patient. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with ultrasound guidance. The patient does not lose consciousness and can speak during the procedure.
With a fine needle, the adenoma interior is reached and the selected ablation energy (RF or MWA) is applied. After the procedure, the patient is observed for approximately 1 hour and then goes home.
Many patients can return to normal life the next day.

Post-Treatment Period

After treatment, parathyroid hormone level usually normalizes within 24-48 hours.
Blood calcium level gradually decreases.
Patients are advised to increase fluid intake for several days, avoid strenuous exercise, and not miss doctor visits.
Follow-up ultrasound is performed 1 week after the procedure, and blood tests are repeated 1 month later to reevaluate PTH and calcium levels.

Advantages of Non-Surgical Treatment

The most important advantage of non-surgical parathyroid adenoma treatment is that it carries much lower risk and provides more comfortable recovery compared to surgical procedures.

• Aesthetic appearance is preserved as no neck incision is made.

• General anesthesia is not required.

• Complication rate is quite low.

• No hospital stay is required.

• Return to normal life is very rapid.

• The probability of tumor recurrence is extremely low.

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, this procedure is performed by an interventional radiology specialist using state-of-the-art equipment.
Personalized treatment plans are created for each patient, considering the adenoma's size, location, and the patient's general health status.

Who is it Suitable For?

This method produces very successful results in patients with the following characteristics:

• Those with elevated calcium and PTH values on blood tests

• Those with single adenoma detected on imaging

• Those with high surgical risk or who do not wish to be operated on

• Those who previously had surgery but developed recurrence

If there is a problem in several glands simultaneously or if the adenoma is very large, multidisciplinary evaluation is performed.
However, for most patients, non-surgical ablation method has become the first choice.

Parathyroid Adenoma Treatment Experience at Dr. Atasoy Clinic

At Dr. Atasoy Clinic, all procedures are performed under high-resolution ultrasound guidance in a sterile clinical environment.
Patient comfort, safety, and long-term success are the principles guiding the treatment process.
Normalization of hormone levels achieved after the procedure is the success criterion both clinically and in the laboratory.
The majority of treated patients at our clinic are discharged pain-free and comfortably the same day.

Dr. Atasoy Clinic takes pride in being one of Turkey's pioneering centers for non-surgical parathyroid adenoma treatment. Using the most current methods of modern medicine, we provide patients with surgery-free, healthy, and sustainable solutions.