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Hypercalcemia (PDQ®)

Patient Version
Last Modified: 08/19/2011

Causes

The main causes of hypercalcemia due to cancer are an increase in the amount of calcium absorbed from the bones, and an inability of the kidneys to excrete excess calcium. Some cancer cells secrete substances that cause calcium to be absorbed into the bloodstream from bones. Immobility, dehydration, anorexia, nausea, and vomiting may also increase calcium levels.



Glossary Terms

anorexia (a-nuh-REK-see-uh)
An abnormal loss of the appetite for food. Anorexia can be caused by cancer, AIDS, a mental disorder (i.e., anorexia nervosa), or other diseases.
calcium (KAL-see-um)
A mineral needed for healthy teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of disease.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
cell (sel)
The individual unit that makes up the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells.
dehydration (dee-hy-DRAY-shun)
A condition caused by the loss of too much water from the body. Severe diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration.
excrete (ek-SKREET)
To get rid of waste material from the blood, tissues, or organs by a normal discharge (such as sweat, urine, or stool).
hypercalcemia (HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh)
Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
kidney (KID-nee)
One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.
nausea (NAW-zee-uh)
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
vomit (VAH-mit)
To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.