Medical Encyclopedia

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.