Primary hyperparathyroidism exacerbated by pregnancy.

Primary hyperparathyroidism may remain subclinical as long as there is adequate calcium in the diet. If the demand for calcium increases, as in pregnancy, the symptoms become evident. Any giant cell growths should alert the oral surgeon to the possibility of hyperparathyroidism. Untreated, hyperparathyroidism ultimately leads to fractures, irreversible kidney damage, and death by renal failure. Tetany must be guarded against after parathyroid surgery. Finally, the brown tumors of hyperparathyroidism need not be removed surgically since bone will regenerate if the disease is correctly treated by removal of the parathyroid adenoma.