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HYPERCALCEMIA


And you thought you were done with pimples

Hypercalcemia - too much serum calcium in the blood - can be a life threatening side effect of several malignancies. While the condition has been associated with multiple myeloma and lymphoma, it is most often associated with lung, prostate and breast cancer.  Ten to 20% of cancer patients will develop hypercalcemia.

Many cancer cells release proteins or other bone destroying factors that lead to the re-absorption of bone thus releasing calcium into the blood, and accounting for the elevated serum calcium levels.

Symptoms

While mild elevations in calcium levels have few or no symptoms, high calcium levels can cause easy to recognize symptoms that require prompt attention, such as:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Disorientation

  • Abdominal pain

  • Constipation

  • Lethargy

  • Depression

  • Lower extremity weakness and vague muscle or joint aches

  • Frequent urination

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Facial tics or twitches

Prevention

If you are at risk of developing hypercalcemia report early signs and symptoms, such as decreased appetite or absent appetite, nausea, vomiting, as soon as possible.  It’s important to stay mobile by walking throughout the day or performing isometric exercises if unable to bear weight.  Promote hydration by drinking fluids and keeping favorite fluids handy.  Taking anti-nausea and pain medications, as needed, will assist with improved mobility and hydration. Regular appointments to monitor blood calcium levels should be made. Talk to your physician about the use of salt in your diet.

Treatment

Bisphosphonates are compounds that inhibit the re-absorption of bone.  The most common drug used for cancer patients for controlling hyercalcemia is pamidronate, brand-named Aredia.  It is administered intravenously over a two to  24 hour period.  The FDA recently approved another biphosphonate, zoledronic acid, brand-named Zometa for use against hypercalcemia.  According to it’s manufacturer, Novartis, Zometa is administered intravenously in 15 minutes.

This page was last edited on 06/19/2003
Written by Rachael Myers Lowe, cancerpage.com
Reviewed by Katie Mullaly, RN, MSN and Jane Quigley, RN, BSN 

Disclaimer - The medical information on this website is presented as an educational resource and should not take the place of advice and recommendations of your personal physician. This information may help you to communicate with the physician and other health care professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of your disease. Support groups and cancer organizations also can be an important source of assistance and support for cancer patients, their families, and their friends.
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