Nervous system
Heart
Gastrointestinal
Kidney
Bone

There is little relationship between symptoms of hypercalcemia and the actual level of calcium in the blood. Symptoms of hypercalcemia resemble symptoms of other illnesses, making an early and rapid diagnosis difficult. The severity of the symptoms may depend on other factors, such as previous cancer treatment, reactions to drugs, or other illnesses a patient may have.

Most patients do not experience all of the symptoms of hypercalcemia, and some patients may not have any symptoms at all. However, most patients with high calcium levels in the blood do have symptoms. Some patients develop signs of hypercalcemia when calcium levels are only slightly high, while patients who have had higher calcium levels for a long time may show few symptoms.

The most common symptoms of hypercalcemia are feeling tired, difficulty thinking clearly, lack of appetite, pain, frequent urination, increased thirst, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

Symptoms may be classified by the affected body part:

Calcium plays a major role in the normal functioning of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include weakness, loss of reflexes in the muscles, and decreased stamina. Patients with central nervous system symptoms may have changes in personality, difficulty thinking or speaking clearly, disorientation, or hallucinations. Eventually, coma may result. Headaches can also occur, which can be made worse by vomiting and dehydration.

Hypercalcemia affects normal heart rhythms and increases sensitivity to some heart medications (such as digoxin). As calcium levels increase, irregular heartbeats may develop, and may lead to a heart attack.

Increased stomach acid often is produced with hypercalcemia and may intensify loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. Constipation may result from the dehydration associated with hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia causes the kidneys to not function correctly, leading to the production of large volumes of urine. The large amount of urine combined with less liquid intake leads to symptoms of dehydration, including thirst, dry mouth, little or no sweating, and concentrated urine. Patients with myeloma often have kidney problems due to hypercalcemia. Kidney stones may result from long-term hypercalcemia.

Hypercalcemia of cancer can result from bone metastases or bone loss, and may contribute to broken bones, bone disfigurement, and pain.

Glossary Terms

A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.

Cancer that has spread from the original (primary) tumor to the bone.

A mineral found in teeth, bones, and other body tissues.

A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord.

CNS. The brain and spinal cord. Also called CNS.

A condition in which stool becomes hard, dry, and difficult to pass, and bowel movements don’t happen very often. Other symptoms may include painful bowel movements, and feeling bloated, uncomfortable, and sluggish.

A condition caused by the loss of too much water from the body. Severe diarrhea or vomiting can cause dehydration.

The process of identifying a disease, such as cancer, from its signs and symptoms.

Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.

Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

One of a pair of organs in the abdomen. Kidneys remove waste from the blood (as urine), produce erythropoietin (a substance that stimulates red blood cell production), and play a role in blood pressure regulation.

Cancer that arises in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell.

A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.

A column of nerve tissue that runs from the base of the skull down the back. It is surrounded by three protective membranes, and is enclosed within the vertebrae (back bones). The spinal cord and the brain make up the central nervous system, and spinal cord nerves carry most messages between the brain and the rest of the body.

An indication that a person has a condition or disease. Some examples of symptoms are headache, fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, and pain.

Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra.

To eject some or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth.