A parathyroid biopsy most often is performed as part of a surgical
procedure to examine and/or remove the parathyroid glands because
of disease. The parathyroid glands may be removed because of
conditions such as a tumor or increased blood calcium levels. The
parathyroid glands are located near the thyroid gland. They secrete
parathyroid hormone (PTH), which functions primarily in the control
of calcium levels.
Review Date: 09/10/2010
Reviewed By: Shabir Bhimji, MD, PhD, Specializing in Cardiothoracic and Vascular
Surgery, Midland, TX. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare
Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
