Hypercalcemia

Calcium is the most important element in the bones. It is also present and detected in the blood. In certain cancers, especially in advanced stages, the blood calcium levels may rise and cause a variety of problems, such as:

• Dehydration, loss of body water

• Loss of appetite

• Weakness

• Weight loss

• Nausea and vomiting

• Constipation

• Frequent urination

• Kidney stones

• Mental status changes, confusion

• Coma

• Irregular heartbeat

Blood calcium levels should be measured in cancer patients with any of the above symptoms. Treatment of this condition can be achieved by one the following methods:

• Hydration with intravenous fluid administration

• Diuretics -- medications that cause increase urine production

• Use of steroids

• Use of Aredia , Mithramycin or Calcitonin

These treatments are normally very effective and cause reversal of symptoms in a short time.