Which management approach is appropriate for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism?

Which management approach is appropriate for symptomatic primary hyperparathyroidism?

• A. Observation only
• B. Chemotherapy
• C. Radiation therapy
• D. Parathyroidectomy

Answer: (D)

When symptoms accompany primary hyperparathyroidism, the definitive treatment is removing the overactive parathyroid tissue (parathyroidectomy). The excess PTH drives hypercalcemia, which leads to bone loss, kidney stones, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms; removing the source corrects the calcium imbalance and often reverses or improves these manifestations. Non-surgical options like observation do not relieve symptoms, and therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation are not appropriate because they do not address the excess PTH production from the parathyroid glands. Parathyroidectomy is curative in most patients and directly treats the underlying problem.

When symptoms accompany primary hyperparathyroidism, the definitive treatment is removing the overactive parathyroid tissue (parathyroidectomy). The excess PTH drives hypercalcemia, which leads to bone loss, kidney stones, fatigue, and neuropsychiatric symptoms; removing the source corrects the calcium imbalance and often reverses or improves these manifestations. Non-surgical options like observation do not relieve symptoms, and therapies such as chemotherapy or radiation are not appropriate because they do not address the excess PTH production from the parathyroid glands. Parathyroidectomy is curative in most patients and directly treats the underlying problem.