How to Treat Hypercalcemia in Cancer Patients

Several factors can cause hypercalcemia in cancer patients. The bones can absorb excess calcium from the bloodstream, and the kidneys may be unable to excrete enough calcium to maintain normal levels. Dehydration from vomiting and excessive weight loss can also contribute to hypercalcemia. You must seek treatment for hypercalcemia before it advances, because excessive calcium levels in the blood can cause abnormal heart rhythm, kidney damage or hallucinations.

Instructions

1. Seek accepted treatment methods for the underlying cancer. A direct relationship exists between advanced cancer and hypercalcemia, since cancerous tumors destroy bone directly and secrete chemicals that cause bone calcium to enter the bloodstream.

2. Drink adequate fluids to prevent dehydration. Patients may require intravenous fluids to supplement drinking.

3. Control nausea and vomiting. Hypercalcemia causes these symptoms, and consequently the symptoms worsen the hypercalcemia. Intravenous saline solution addresses the nausea and the dehydration caused by vomiting.

4. Remain active since mobility helps prevent weakness, which can lead to bone-breaking falls. The doctor may recommend gentle weight-bearing exercises like walking.

5. Ask the doctor about reducing or stopping drugs that can exacerbate hypercalcemia. Drugs that decrease kidney function as well as supplements that contain vitamins A and D can complicate hypercalcemia.

6. Accept medication to stop the bones from breaking down. Drug choices to ask the doctor about include calcitonin and biphosphonates.

7. Consider treatment for the cognitive changes caused by hypercalcemia. Sometimes agitation and other mental problems require additional drugs to prevent the patient from accidental injury.

Tips & Warnings

• Maintain your normal dietary calcium intake if you have hypercalcemia. Although it seems counterintuitive, the body actually absorbs less dietary calcium in a state of hypercalcemia.