MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Parathyroid biopsy

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Parathyroid biopsy

A parathyroid biopsy most often is performed as part of a surgical procedure to examine and/or remove the parathyroid glands because of disease. The parathyroid glands may be removed because of conditions such as a tumor or increased blood calcium levels. The parathyroid glands are located near the thyroid gland. They secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH), which functions primarily in the control of calcium levels.

Update Date: 7/28/2006

Updated by: J.A. Lee, M.D., Division of Surgery, UCSF, San Francisco, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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