Tertiary hyperparathyroidism occurs in patients that have undergone kidney transplantation for kidney failure. These patients have developed secondary hyperparathyroidism prior to receiving the kidney transplant.
Typically, hyperparathyroidism will resolve over the first year following kidney transplantation, as the new kidney can adequately control calcium and phosphorus excretion in the urine and, over time, the parathyroid glands begin to function normally again. In some patients this does not occur and the parathyroid glands continue to function abnormally despite normal kidney function, a condition termed tertiary hyperparathyroidism.
Similarly to treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism, treatment for tertiary hyperparathyroidism involves removing most of the parathyroid glands. A small portion of parathyroid tissue is preserved to regulate calcium levels following surgery.
The Endocrine and Neuroendocrine Tumor Program treats tertiary hyperparathyroidism using the most advanced technologies and treatments available.