In the Baron case, which gland region harbored the adenoma?

• A. Left-medial parathyroid gland
• B. Right-lateral adrenal gland
• C. Left thyroid gland
• D. Pituitary gland

Answer: (A)

The situation tests recognizing where a parathyroid adenoma sits. Parathyroid glands are four tiny glands tucked on the posterior surface of the thyroid; a benign adenoma causes excess parathyroid hormone and primary hyperparathyroidism. In many cases the abnormal gland is located on the left side near the midline, specifically the left-medial parathyroid gland, which is why that site is described as harboring the adenoma in the Baron case.

Choosing other glands would point to different diseases: an adrenal gland adenoma would involve the adrenal cortex and cortisol/aldosterone effects; a thyroid gland adenoma would be a thyroid nodule with its own hormonal profile; a pituitary adenoma would affect pituitary hormones. Thus, the left-medial parathyroid gland best fits the scenario of a parathyroid adenoma.