Hypercalcaemia
Hypercalcaemia is an increase in the levels of calcium in the blood. Hypercalcaemia can be detected by a blood test. The symptoms may be mild or severe and include:
- increased urination
- excessive thirst
- dehydration
- vomiting
- constipation
- muscle weakness
- drowsiness/confusion
Inform your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms so that they can be evaluated and controlled.
The possible causes of hypercalcaemia include:
- cancer in the bone:
- metastatic breast cancer without any spread to the bone
Treatment of hypercalcaemia includes:
- fluids to treat the dehydration
- bisphosphonates
- change in chemotherapy or hormonal therapy: Usually the development of hypercalcaemia indicates that the cancer in the bone is not well controlled and that a change in treatment is needed.
There is evidence to show that when given regularly to women with metastatic breast cancer with at least one cancer in the bone, bisphosphonates reduces the number of episodes of hypercalcaemia.
