Ultrasound of parathyroid glands

Parathyroid glands are small endocrine gland formations located right next to the thyroid gland. Their size is about 0.3 x 0.6 cm with a weight of about 0.6 g. They produce parathyroid hormone (PTH) which regulates calcium metabolism. Most often, there are 2 pairs, localized in the front under the lower parts and behind the middle parts of both thyroid lobes, but they can also be found in the gland itself or outside it in the chest cavity.

Ultrasound of the parathyroid glands is the method of choice when benign enlargement (hyperplasia), benign tumors (adenomas) or malignant tumors (carcinomas) of the parathyroid glands are suspected. It is a quick, simple, painless and harmless examination method.