Hypercalcemia Associated with Malignancy

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 tumo...

The severity of symptoms depends on calcium level, rapidity of onset of hypercalcemia, and state of hydration.

Early nonspecific symptoms often include nausea, vomiting, anorexia, depression,...

Mild hypercalcemia with calcium <12 mg/dL and asymptomatic do not need immediate treatment.

Moderate hypercalcemia with calcium between 12 and 14 mg/dL and if it is an acute rise need imme...

Goldner  W. Cancer-related hypercalcemia. J Oncol Prac.  2016;12(5):426–432. [View Abstract on OvidMedline]

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Hypercalcemia of malignancy carries with it a very poor prognosis. Left untreated, the median survival is 2 to 6 weeks.

Diagnosis may be difficult unless the patient has a known maligna...