Hyperparathyroidism--patterns of presentation, symptoms and response to operation.
Forty-three patients operated upon for hyperparathyroidism over a 7-year period are reviewed with reference to modes of presentation, symptoms and symptomatic response following operation (76% of symptoms cured or improved). The patterns of presentation are discussed in relation to the increasing use of routine biochemical screening; emphasis is given to the symptoms admitted by 17 so-called 'asymptomatic' patients diagnosed in this way and to their improvement following surgery (75% of symptoms). Symptomatic improvement among a similar group of seventeen 'asymptomatic' patients undergoing operations for thyroid swellings was observed in only 9% of symptoms. In the light of such subjective improvement following parathyroidectomy, the theoretical prophylactic benefit of operation and its lack of morbidity, an aggressive surgical approach to the disease is considered justified.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006961:Hyperparathyroidism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006965:Hyperplasia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010280:Parathyroid Glands / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013965:Thyroidectomy
D002118:Calcium