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Hypercalcemia Associated with Malignancy Updated 3/2011

Richard F. DeSouza, MD
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BASICS

  • Description
  • Epidemiology
  • Risk Factors
  • General Prevention
  • Pathophysiology
  • Etiology

DIAGNOSIS

  • Tests
  • Differential Diagnosis

TREATMENT

  • Medication (Drugs)
  • Additional Treatment

Ongoing Care

  • Follow-Up Recommendations
  • Prognosis
The following is an excerpt....
BASICS

Description
  • Hypercalcemia associated with malignancy is the most common cause of severe hypercalcemia diagnosed in a hospital setting.
  • Often a very poor prognostic sign
  • Occurs with both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies; most commonly associated with multiple myeloma and breast and lung cancer; also associated with metastases to bone
Epidemiology

Incidence

Hypercalcemia is diagnosed in 20–30% of all cancer patients during the course of illness (1).

Risk Factors
  • Dehydration
  • Immobilization
General Prevention

Encourage adequate hydration and activity, especially in multiple myeloma.

Pathophysiology
  • Increased bone resorption is involved in most cases, caused either by extensive local bone destruction or by humoral factors.
  • Humoral factors can interfere with the normal regulation of calcium by parathyroid hormone, calcitriol, and calcitonin.
  • The ...

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See Also
Images >
1
FIGURE 82.15. Electrolyte effects on EKG Q-T interval. Note prolongation with hypocalcemia, shortening with hypercalcemia.Credit: NA
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