Hypercalcemia occurs in 10% to 20% of all cancer patients and most commonly occurs in patients with advanced cancer. Certain cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, multiple myeloma, and squamous cell cancers, are associated with a higher incidence of hypercalcemia.
In hypercalcemia, the rate of loss of bone calcium becomes so rapid that the blood concentration of calcium increases to levels that are acutely life threatening if left untreated. Cancer-related hypercalcemia can often go undiagnosed, since many patients exhibit nonspecific signs and symptoms. Effective treatment can normalize serum calcium concentrations that may yield substantial improvement of symptoms and quality of life.
