Parathyroid Cysts 101: They Can Be Anywhere Even in the thyroid gland and down into the chest.

Parathyroid Cysts 101: They Can Be Anywhere Even in the thyroid gland and down into the chest.

Dr.Guttler’s comments:

1. Parathyroid Cysts are rare but I have seen 10 cases in my practice.
2. I have treated larger ones and ones with symptoms with Ethanol ablation PEI.
3. I have never treated these with surgery when an first line alternative is available in my practice.
4. However, they can be hidden away in the thyroid gland or down in the chest.
5. They can bleed and cause pain and tenderness.
6. A large PC can even cause a hemorrhage that can bleed into the upper chest.
7. Most are congenital rests of parathyroid cells that are non-functional.
8. Some are cystic degeneration of a parathyroid adenoma.
9. These are functional.
10. Case 40 Y/O F noted a lump on self examination. 2.3 cm nodule without echos near the lower pole of the thyroid gland.
11. 2 ml clear fluid was suspicious for a PC instead of a thyroid cyst.
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13. US of a large visible and symptomatic PC that had recurred after drainage failed.
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15. Parathyroid hormone in the washout fluid was positive.
16. Some PCs have brown or red fluid with a previous hemorrhage.
17. Even if there is compressive symptoms there is still no need for surgery.
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19. Simple drainage may work but not for larger PCs as they tend to rapidly refill.
20. The treatment of choice is ethanol ablation PEI.
21. 200 proof medical grade ethanol is used.
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23. This simple painless procedure takes 15-20 minutes in my office.
24. No need for a hospital visit for surgery.
25. Call for details at 310-393-8860 or [email protected]
26. Dr.G.