A parathyroid adenoma is a noncancerous (benign) tumor of the parathyroid glands. The parathyroid glands are four small lentil-sized glands right next to the thyroid that help regulate the body’s calcium and phosphorus levels. If there is concern about their function, further evaluation and management is needed, which can include blood testing of calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels.
The oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx (throat), behind the mouth. Retention cysts are small soft tissue growths that commonly occur on mucus surfaces in the body. They are usually asymptomatic (do not cause symptoms), but large growths can sometimes cause a sensation of fullness or discomfort.
The tonsils are lymphatic tissues located in the back of the throat. They are part of the body's immune system, functioning similarly to lymph nodes to filter the lymphatic fluid and containing lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease. The causes of tonsillar enlargement include infection (i.e. viral), smoking, gastric reflux and lymphoma. Enlargement of the tonsils in adults usually does not cause symptoms and resolves by itself, but sometimes can be associated with sleep apnea (the momentary stopping of breathing during sleep) or recurrent tonsil infections.
A cyst usually is a slow-growing lump that can move easily under the skin. Sebaceous cysts may be caused by blocked glands or swollen hair follicles in the skin. Trauma to the skin has often been reported as well. Other times, cysts are inherited.
Growths on the thyroid, a small gland located at the front base of the neck, are known as nodules and can either be solid, fluid-filled or both. A cyst, by definition, contains fluid. Thyroid nodules which are entirely cystic, in which case there are no solid components detectable within the fluid, are almost routinely benign. Thyroid cysts are considered complex if they contain both solid and fluid components.
In rare cases during embryonic development, parts of the thyroid might not be formed normally (thyroid dysgenesis). When a part is missing, this is called “atresia.” Missing parts of the thyroid does not necessarily mean abnormal thyroid function; thyroid function can only be properly assessed with laboratory blood testing.
