In primary hyperparathyroidism, what is the most common etiologic cause?

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Multiple Choice

In primary hyperparathyroidism, what is the most common etiologic cause?

In primary hyperparathyroidism, the abnormality is autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone by the glands. The most common cause is a solitary parathyroid adenoma, a single gland that secretes PTH independent of the body's calcium level. This single-gland tumor accounts for the majority of cases—roughly around 80–85% (often cited as about 85–90%). The excess PTH drives hypercalcemia and its typical symptoms. Parathyroid hyperplasia, affecting multiple glands, is less common, and parathyroid carcinoma is rare. Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to CKD is a reactive condition driven by chronic hypocalcemia and phosphate retention, not a primary gland tumor.

In primary hyperparathyroidism, the abnormality is autonomous overproduction of parathyroid hormone by the glands. The most common cause is a solitary parathyroid adenoma, a single gland that secretes PTH independent of the body's calcium level. This single-gland tumor accounts for the majority of cases—roughly around 80–85% (often cited as about 85–90%). The excess PTH drives hypercalcemia and its typical symptoms. Parathyroid hyperplasia, affecting multiple glands, is less common, and parathyroid carcinoma is rare. Secondary hyperparathyroidism due to CKD is a reactive condition driven by chronic hypocalcemia and phosphate retention, not a primary gland tumor.

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