Parathyroid adenoma classification

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Anmol Pitliya, M.B.B.S. M.D.[2]

Overview

Parathyroid adenoma may be classified according to location into 7 subtypes from type A gland to type G gland.

Parathyroid adenoma may be classified according to location into 7 subtypes: ^[1]^[1]^[2]^[3]

Type	Location
Type A	Adherent to the posterior thyroid parenchyma Expected location of a normal gland Almost attached Almost intracapsular
Type B	Back behind the thyroid parenchyma Exophytic to the thyroid parenchyma Lies in the tracheoesophageal groove B+ gland: An undescended gland high in the neck near the carotid bifurcation or mandible
Type C	Could be mistaken for the esophagus when palpated Caudal to the thyroid parenchyma, in the tracheoesophageal groove More inferior than a type B gland on lateral views Situated at the level of the inferior pole of the thyroid or inferior to the inferior pole of the thyroid (closer to the clavicle)
Type D	Dissection is difficult as the gland is dangerously close to the recurrent laryngeal nerve
Type E	The most externally located gland Easy to resect
Type F	Fallen into the thyrothymic ligament May be referred as “ectopic” Can be usually retrieved with delivery of the superior portion of the thymus
Type G	Got caught in thyroid tissue Gated into the thyroid parenchyma A true intra intrathyroidal gland is rare

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 Perrier ND, Edeiken B, Nunez R, Gayed I, Jimenez C, Busaidy N; et al. (2009). “A novel nomenclature to classify parathyroid adenomas”. World J Surg. 33 (3): 412–6. doi:10.1007/s00268-008-9894-0. PMID 19148701.
↑ Hamidi S, Hedayat A, Esfahanian F, Kamalian N (October 2007). “Distribution of solitary parathyroid adenoma over the parathyroid glands and its surgical management”. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 17 (10): 619–21. doi:10.2007/JCPSP.619621. PMID 17999854.
↑ Debruyne F, Ostyn F, Delaere P (May 1997). “Distribution of the solitary adenoma over the parathyroid glands”. J Laryngol Otol. 111 (5): 459–60. doi:10.1017/s0022215100137636. PMID 9205609.