An introduction to the diagnosis of parathyroid disorders.

The head and neck surgeon must be well acquainted with the embryology and anatomy of the parathyroid glands to facilitate operative localization. In dealing with diseases of this multiple unit single organ system an awareness of the variety of concomitant presentations is necessary in order to surgically manage the diseased glands. Diagnosis and preoperative localization of the parathyroid glands in their hyperfunctional state demand an appreciation of their physiologic interaction with the renal, skeletal, and gastrointestinal systems.