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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:
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
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