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Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.

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Parathyroid adenoma classification

Introduction

Overview

Overview

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

Classification

Classification

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
References

References

  1. ↑ 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.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ 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.

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]