This information is produced and provided by the National Cancer
Institute (NCI). The information in this topic may have changed
since it was written. For the most current information, contact
the National Cancer Institute via the Internet web site at
http://cancer.gov or call 1-800-4-CANCER. This patient summary
on hypercalcemia is adapted from the PDQ summary written for
health professionals by cancer experts. This and other credible
information about cancer treatment, screening , prevention ,
supportive care , and ongoing clinical trials is available from
the National Cancer Institute . Hypercalcemia is a disorder in
which the level of calcium in the blood is too high.
Hypercalcemia is the most common life-threatening disorder
associated with cancer. This brief summary describes
hypercalcemia, its causes and treatment. This summary is about
hypercalcemia in adults with cancer. Hypercalcemia occurs in
10%-20% of people with cancer , although it occurs much less
often in children. The cancers most often asso