Differential Diagnosis for Hyperparathyroidism Causing Nausea and Testicular Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Primary Hyperparathyroidism: This condition is characterized by the excessive production of parathyroid hormone (PTH), leading to hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia can cause nausea, and in rare cases, testicular pain due to the deposition of calcium in testicular tissue or due to the systemic effects of hypercalcemia.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Hypercalcemia of Malignancy: Certain cancers can produce PTH-related protein, leading to hypercalcemia, which may cause nausea. Testicular pain could be related to metastasis or the primary tumor if it's a testicular cancer.
- Familial Hypocalciuric Hypercalcemia (FHH): A genetic disorder that leads to hypercalcemia due to altered calcium sensing by the parathyroid glands. While less common, it could explain the symptoms if there's a family history.
- Lithium-Induced Hyperparathyroidism: Long-term lithium use can lead to hyperparathyroidism. Nausea is a common side effect of lithium, and testicular pain could be unrelated or due to another lithium side effect.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma: Part of MEN 2A syndrome, which includes hyperparathyroidism. It's crucial to diagnose due to its potential for aggressive behavior and the need for early intervention.
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN) Syndromes: Specifically MEN 1 and MEN 2A, which include hyperparathyroidism as part of their syndrome. These conditions can have significant implications for management and prognosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Paraneoplastic Syndromes: Rarely, certain cancers can produce substances that mimic PTH, leading to hypercalcemia and potentially the described symptoms.
- Vitamin D Intoxication: Although rare, excessive intake of vitamin D can lead to hypercalcemia, causing nausea and potentially testicular pain due to hypercalcemia effects.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition that can cause hypercalcemia due to increased vitamin D conversion. It's rare but could explain the symptoms in the context of systemic sarcoidosis.