Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels): Hypercalcemia (elevated calcium levels) is a condition that can have no symptoms, or severe symptoms if the calcium levels are severely elevated. Conditions associated with hypercalcemia include:
- cancers,
- excessive levels of vitamin D,
- inherited conditions,
- kidney failure,
- hyperthyroidism, and
- certain medications.
Must Read Articles:
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Acute Kidney Failure
Kidney failure, or the ability of the kidneys to filter water and waste, is caused by prerenal, postrenal, or renal problems with the kidney(s). Symptoms of kidney failure include decreased urine production, confusion, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, problems concentrating, edema, and a metallic taste in the mouth. Treatment for kidney failure depends upon the cause. -
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer in women. Symptoms and signs of breast cancer include breast lumps, nipple discharge or inversion, or changes in the breast's skin. Treatment typically involves some type of surgery and depends upon the staging of the cancer, the tumor type, and the person's health. -
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperparathyroidism is the result of an overproduction of parathyroid hormone (PTH). The exact cause of hyperparathyroidism is not clear in the majority of cases. Symptoms of hyperparathyroidism include abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, kidney stones, and more. Treatment of hyperparathyroidism is generally surgery. -
Is Multiple Myeloma Always Fatal
Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer that is somewhat rare and typically has a poor prognosis. Several factors play an important part in a person's survival rate, including age, health condition, and whether it involves a single tumor. -
Kidney Stones
The kidney filters waste products and excess water from the body. Sometimes, because of factors that include heredity, diet, and medications, waste products crystallize in the kidney, forming stones. Symptoms and signs include severe pain, sweating, nausea, vomiting, infection, blood in the urine, and others. Treatment includes medications, fluids, and other procedures. -
Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths. Symptoms and signs include coughing up blood, chest pain, wheezing, and chronic respiratory infections. Treatment depends upon the tumor stage, type of lung cancer, and the patient's overall physical condition. -
Myeloma
Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells of the blood. Symptoms include early osteoporosis, hypercalcemia, hyperviscosity of the blood, low red and white blood cell counts, low platelet count, cryoglobulinemia, and amyloidosis. Tests to diagnose multiple myeloma include blood and urine tests, bone marrow examination, X-rays, MRIs, PET scans, and regular monitoring. Multiple myeloma treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, medications, and stem cell transplantation. Life expectancy for multiple myeloma is a 30% five-year survival rate. -
What Are the Warning Signs of Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer occurs when cells in the breast become abnormal and grow out of control. The American Cancer Society’s warning signs and symptoms of breast cancer include swelling or thickening of the breast, nipple pain, and others. -
What Is the First Symptom of Multiple Myeloma
Multiple myeloma does not cause symptoms in everyone. Bone pain, commonly in the back, hips, and skull is usually the first symptom of multiple myeloma. Other symptoms of multiple myeloma may include other bone problems (osteoporosis, bone weakness where there is a plasmacytoma, fractures), high blood levels of calcium (hypercalcemia), low counts of red blood cell (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia), or plasma cells (thrombocytopenia); nervous system symptoms, nerve damage, thickened blood that slows blood flow to the brain, kidney problems, and infections (such as pneumonia).
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Hypercalcemia (Elevated Calcium Levels) Topic Guide - Medications and Vitamins
Medications:
EtidronateEtidronate is a bisphosphonate (bis FOS fo nayt) medicine that alters bone formation and breakdown in the body. This can slow bone loss and may help prevent ...learn more »
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