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Medical Author:

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C)

Ruchi Mathur, MD, FRCP(C) is an Attending Physician with the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism and Associate Director of Clinical Research, Recruitment and Phenotyping with the Center for Androgen Related Disorders, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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In this Article

• Hypercalcemia Introduction
• What are the causes of hypercalcemia?
• What are the signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia?
• How is hypercalcemia diagnosed?
• How is hypercalcemia treated?
• What is the prognosis for hypercalcemia?
• Can hypercalcemia be prevented?
• Hypercalcemia At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Hypercalcemia - Describe Your Experience
• Hypercalcemia Index

The results of treatment for hypercalcemia depend on the underlying cause of the condition. If hypercalcemia is seen in the presence of cancer, the average one year survival rate is less than 30%. The prognosis is excellent for many of the other causes of hypercalcemia provided the underlying cause is addressed and treated.

Hypercalcemia cannot be prevented, but early detection can both allow for normalization of calcium levels and lead to an early work-up to define the cause. If there is a known family history of hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism, it is worth mentioning this to the health care practitioner; together the patient and health care practitioner can determine if screening is warranted.

• Calcium is important for bone strength, as well as muscle and nerve function
  
  
• Calcium levels in the bloodstream are regulated by PTH, vitamin D, and calcitonin
  
  
• Hypercalcemia can vary in severity and in chronicity
  
  
• The main cause of hypercalcemia is hyperparathyroidism
  
  
• Malignancies may be associated with hypercalcemia, and the presence of hypercalcemia usually heralds a worse prognosis
  
  
• The signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia can be remembered by the phrase "moans, stones, groans, and bones."
  
  
• Treatment depends on the underlying cause of hypercalcemia as well as the degree of severity
  
  
• Both surgical and medical treatments are available as treatment options
  
  
• Prognosis depends on the underlying cause of hypercalcemia