Hypercalcemia

HYPERCALCEMIA

As discussed before the level of calcium in the blood stream is crucial for normal functioning of the cells and organs; and the parathyroid glands are intimately involved in maintaining the blood calcium levels in a narrow range In the setting of a person that is not hospitalized or ill with a chronic illness (liver disease, kidney disease, cancer etc…) the most common cause of high blood calcium levels is hyperparathyroidism. But there are other causes of high calcium levels as well. The table below shows a list of potential causes of hypercalcemia. If the parathyroids are deemed not to be the source of hypercalcemia then these other potential causes need to be no investigated thoroughly.

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FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Yes, when someone has hyperparathyroidism some of the symptoms are caused by high calcium levels and some are caused by high PTH levels. The other conditions listed in the table above all have their own inherent symptoms in addition to the symptoms caused by high calcium levels.

No, most of these conditions if left untreated will cause continuous elevation in calcium levels.
It can be if the level of calcium is high for a long time then your whole body will have to adapt to it, and work less efficiently.
Yes, in a few different ways: 1) some cancers can occur in the bone (multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma are a few examples) that can cause excess calcium to be released into the blood. 2) Cancers that spread to bones can do the same. 3) Some cancers produce a hormone called PTHrp (PTH related peptide) that acts like PTH.
Only a specific kind of inflammatory condition called sarcoidosis that creates a compound similar to vitamin D.
Tuberculosis can cause high calcium levels due to a specific kind of inflammation that it creates very similar to sarcoidosis, mentioned in the last question.
Yes, activated vitamin D increases the absorption of calcium in the intestines from 20% to 80%, so with excessive vitamin D usage the system can be overwhelmed with calcium.

If you’re having a hard time diagnosing the reason for the your hypercalcemia consult with Dr. Larian Today!

Dr. Larian is happy to teach patients about the various ways to diagnose the causing high blood calcium levels. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Larian, please contact us online or call us today at 310-461-0300.

Parathyroid Glands

Hyperparathyroidism

Localization studies

Treatment

Other Causes of High Calcium or High PTH

Asymptomatic HPT

Parathyroid Disease

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