hypercalcemia
Synonyms: hypercalcemia of malignancy (HCM)
Definition: (hye-per-kal-SEE-mee-a) Abnormally high calcium in the blood. It effects many cancer patients when cancer cells over-stimulate osteoclast in the bones. This results in an increased rate of bone breakdown (osteoporosis) and the release of excess calcium into the bloodstream. If excessive, the kidneys cannot cope, which can lead to dangerous medical complications. Zometa has been approved for HCM.
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