Many patients come to our clinic with complaints of chronic fatigue, joint pain, recurring kidney stones, or depressive mood. Usually, these complaints are attributed to aging or stress; however, when high calcium levels are detected in blood tests, we are led to a disease of a small but vital gland in our neck: Parathyroid Adenoma.

Today, in "Primary Hyperparathyroidism" caused by parathyroid adenoma, we cure our patients using the Non-Surgical Thermal Ablation method that we apply without cutting the neck or risking damage to the vocal cords.

What is Parathyroid Adenoma? How Does It Affect Our Body?

The parathyroid glands are four small lentil-sized glands located immediately behind the thyroid gland that regulate calcium balance in the body. Uncontrolled growth of one of these glands (adenoma) causes excessive calcium levels in the blood.

When blood calcium rises, the body is essentially "poisoned" and the following symptoms appear:

• Bone and Joint Pain: Since calcium is drawn from bones, bone loss (osteoporosis) and widespread pain begin.

• Kidney Stones: Increased blood calcium precipitates in the kidneys, leading to repeated stone formation.

• Digestive Problems: Severe constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain may be seen.

• Psychological Symptoms: Forgetfulness, depression, constant sleepiness, and difficulty concentrating.

Surgery is Not the Only Option: Thermal Ablation (Burning Treatment)

Traditionally, treatment of parathyroid adenoma involves surgical opening of the neck area and removal of the enlarged gland. However, this area is quite critical in terms of the carotid artery and nerves going to the vocal cords.

Non-Surgical Radiofrequency (RF) or Microwave Ablation, applied under the discipline of interventional radiology, is a modern alternative that minimizes these risks.

How Does the Treatment Process Progress?

1. Clarification of Location: Before the procedure, ultrasound and scintigraphy determine the exact location of the adenoma down to the millimeter.

2. Local Anesthesia and Protection: The neck area is anesthetized. Using a technique called "fluid dissection," special fluid is injected around the adenoma to move adjacent nerves and blood vessels away from the treatment area, providing complete protection.

3. Fine Needle Entry: Without any incision in the skin, under ultrasound guidance, a millimetric needle (probe) is inserted directly into the adenoma.

4. Controlled Heat Destruction: Energy delivered from the tip of the probe burns the adenoma tissue from inside, rendering it inactive. The adenoma can no longer produce hormone.

Advantages of Non-Surgical Method Compared to Classical Surgery

There are many reasons to choose ablation method for parathyroid adenoma treatment:

• Protection of Vocal Cords: The biggest risk in surgeries is damage to the vocal cord nerve. In procedures performed under ultrasound, since nerves are monitored in real-time, this risk is virtually non-existent.

• No Permanent Scar: There are no surgical suture scars on the neck, only the needle entry site, which completely disappears within a few days.

• Quick Normalization: The procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes. After a few hours of observation, the patient walks home.

• General Anesthesia Not Required: For patients who cannot receive anesthesia because they have heart or lung disease, it is a safe option.

• Recurrent Cases: In people who have previously had neck surgery and the disease has recurred, surgery is much riskier, while the non-surgical method is much more practical.

What Awaits You After Treatment?

As soon as the procedure ends, the body's hormone balance begins to normalize rapidly.

• Calcium Drop: Blood calcium levels usually drop to normal ranges within the first 24 hours.

• Regression of Complaints: Our patients usually report that the heavy fatigue lifting from them and their minds become clearer shortly after the procedure.

• Follow-up Process: The adenoma shrinkage process is monitored with periodic blood tests and ultrasound controls. The burned tissue is gradually cleared by the body.

Doctor's Note: Patients with detected parathyroid adenoma often say "let's wait a bit." However, during this time, bone loss and kidney damage continue. Thanks to non-surgical methods, you can eliminate these risks without waiting and without disrupting your life.

Conclusion: Uninterrupted and Comfortable Recovery

Parathyroid adenoma is a disease that silently drains your body. However, its treatment no longer has to be a frightening neck surgery. With the opportunities offered by technology, it is possible to regain your health while minimizing risks.

At our clinic, we apply parathyroid ablation techniques. You can contact us for more information or to have your tests evaluated.