Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) originates primary in the parathyroid glands as a result of swelling or enlargement of one or more parathyroid glands, this can be caused by a parathyroid carcinoma or adenoma. An swelling or enlargement of the parathyroid gland leads to a excessive release of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in the blood.

The parathyroid glands are four small glands in the neck that produce PTH. In healthy people, PTH helps maintain blood calcium balance and healthy bones.

The prevalence of PHPT is more in women than in men, the peak incidence is at the age 50-60 years. Symptoms are vague complaints as fatigue, memory loss, depression, bone and joint pain, elevated serum calcium and an elevated PTH level in the blood.

Normalisation of the calciumlevel and the reduction of the symptoms caused by PHPT are the main treatment goals.