Table of Contents
How long does a sestamibi parathyroid scan take?
On average, a sestamibi scan takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete, so a patient should set aside at least a couple of hours for the test. Typically, a doctor will take multiple sestamibi scans of a patient’s parathyroid glands.
Why sestamibi scan is done?
An imaging test used to find overactive parathyroid glands (four pea-sized glands found on the thyroid) and breast cancer cells, and to diagnose heart disease.
Does parathyroid affect your weight?
Parathyroid disease and hyperparathyroidism are associated with weight gain. The worries about gaining weight after parathyroid surgery are understandable but unfounded. It is a myth that parathyroid surgery and removing a parathyroid tumor causes you to gain weight.
Can you feel a tumor on your parathyroid?
Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history. About half of the time, a provider finds parathyroid cancer by feeling the neck with the hands (palpation). A cancerous parathyroid tumor tends to produce a very high amount of parathyroid hormone (PTH).
Does hyperparathyroidism affect your teeth?
People with varying types of hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcemia may experience: Soft tissue calcifications. Tooth sensitivity when biting and chewing. Malocclusion.
Which situation triggers tumor in the parathyroid gland?
Had radiation therapy to your neck. Were exposed to high doses of radiation from nuclear power plants. Have a family history of parathyroid tumors. Have certain inherited conditions, such as familial isolated hyperparathyroidism or multiple endocrine neoplasia, types 1 or 2.
What is a parathyroid sestamibi scan?
A parathyroid scan is always performed before minimally invasive parathyroid surgery is performed. The parathyroid Sestamibi scan is not used as diagnostic study or to confirm the presence of hyperparathyroidism. Rather, the test is performed to distinguish or localize the affected parathyroid gland in a patient already diagnosed with the disease.
What is sestamibi?
Sestamibi is a small protein which is labeled with the radio-pharmaceutical technetium99. This very mild and safe radioactive agent is injected into the veins of a patient with hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid disease) and is absorbed by the overactive parathyroid gland.
What is the biggest problem in parathyroid disease?
The biggest problem in all of parathyroid disease is the lack of understanding of the role of the Sestamibi scan. Sestamibi scans have no role in determining if somebody has a parathyroid tumor. We believe strongly that endocrinologists should never obtain a sestamibi scan on a patient with high calcium. This is a test for the surgeon to order.
What is the best parathyroid X-ray?
Sestambi parathyroid x-ray scan locates problem parathyroid glands and parathyroid tumors. Sestamibi is the BEST parathyroid x-ray. The Sestamibi Scan for Hyperparathyroidism (parathyroid problems).