Calcium is a mineral that influences the proper functioning of our body, as well as the formation of bones and teeth, among other various biological functions. However, the high level of calcium in the blood, called hypercalcemia, can generate serious symptoms similar to cancer symptoms.

What is hypercalcemia?

Dr. Roberta Frota Villas Boas, endocrinologist at 9 de Julho Hospital/Dasa explains that hypercalcemia is the elevated increase in calcium in the blood.

This mineral is stored in the bones, so only 1% of the calcium in our body circulates in the bloodstream.

However, when there is increased calcium levels in the blood, this can be fatal because it is a common metabolic disorder associated with cancer - occurring in 10% to 20% of patients who have a malignant tumor.

Causes of hypercalcemia

According to the endocrinologist, there are several causes that can lead to hypercalcemia. Thus, the most common ones stem from the overproduction of a hormone called PTH, or parathormone.

"This hormone is produced by 4 small glands called parathyroids (they are close to the thyroid, but do not have the same function). PTH is mainly responsible for controlling calcium in our body ", adds the specialist.

In addition, the doctor at the Hospital 9 de Julho/Dasa, informs that the presence of some tumors that lead to the production of a hormone similar to PTH (called PTH-rp) also elevates calcium in the blood.

"Exceptionally, we can also cite intoxication by vitamin D that occurs when people ingest excessive amounts", adds Dr. Roberta Frota.

Symptoms of hypercalcemia

According to the endocrinologist we consulted, hypercalcemia in mild cases is usually asymptomatic, that is, the person doesn't even realize that he/she has hypercalcemia.

However, the symptoms of hypercalcemia usually develop slowly and can be very similar to the symptoms of cancer and its treatments.

Patients with high levels of calcium in the blood in more severe situations may present symptoms such as:

• Excessive sleepiness;
• Dehydration (especially in the elderly and cancer patients);
• Weakness;
• Muscle pain;
• Constipation;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Kidney stones ( kidney stone );
• Loss of appetite;
• Frequent urination;
• Headache;
• Depression;
• Changes in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, and difficulty thinking.

Diagnosis of hypercalcemia

The medical specialist informs that the diagnosis of hypercalcemia is made through clinical suspicion (when there are symptoms) and the dosage of calcium in the blood.

Therefore, the measurement of calcium levels in the blood is usually detected during blood tests routine.

If hypercalcemia is detected, further tests may be necessary to determine the cause of the high blood calcium level.

Therefore, other blood tests and urine In addition, a chest X-ray and genetic testing (if you are looking for a hereditary cause) are possible.

Treatments for hypercalcemia

Patients with mild or severe hypercalcemia can be treated in various ways: "the treatment depends on the calcium levels and the general health of the patient," communicates the endocrinologist.

If it is a more serious condition, there is a need for hospitalization, intravenous hydration, and the use of specific medications, mainly of a class called bisphosphonates, informs the specialist.

In mild cases only oral hydration is indicated, but Dr. Roberta Frota suggests the need to investigate the cause of hypercalcemia and treat it: "parathyroid surgery is indicated in some cases", she adds.

Risk factors for those with high blood calcium

There are some risk factors for those who have hypercalcemia. The specialist warns that the ingestion of little liquid and dehydration are some of them, for example.

"Another factor is the misuse of vitamin and mineral supplements without medical guidance," warns the endocrinologist.

Hypercalcemia also affects oral health

People with different types and pictures of hypercalcemia can also have problems related to their oral health.

The presence of high levels of calcium can alter the tooth matrix, calcifications in soft tissues and dentin sensitivity when biting and chew .

Frequently Asked Questions

When is calcium high?

What level of calcium is considered high to be diagnosed as hypercalcemia? "When the presence of calcium is above normal values for dosage, in general above 10.5mg/dl," indicates the endocrinologist at Hospital 9 de Julho/Dasa.

It is possible to know the amount of calcium in the body by measuring the test in the blood. In elderly patients and postmenopausal women, a good way to measure calcium is to perform bone densitometry, a non-invasive test that evaluates how the patient's bones are doing in relation to possible bone fragility.

However, this test cannot be used to evaluate bone pain, arthrosis Among other problems, only the tendency to osteopenia and osteoporosis.

Is it bad to ingest too much calcium?

Many People ingest calcium through milk consumption and derivatives, in addition to the use of vitamin D.

This mineral is fundamental for bone health, and can prevent diseases such as osteoporosis and osteopenia. But ingesting too much of it can bring risks.

Dr. Roberta Frota reminds us that everything that is excessive is not healthy: "one should ingest a normal amount of calcium, without unnecessarily supplementing it. For adults, the ideal consumption is around 800 to 1000 mg/day, which is equivalent to 2 to 3 servings of dairy products a day," she advises.

How to remove excess calcium?

Before defining how to reduce calcium levels, there is first a need to define what calcium is and when there is excess calcium, according to the expert.

"Once a problem is identified, one must treat it accordingly. For example, if hypercalcemia stems from an overproduction of PTH, then one must treat this cause with surgery in most cases," he points out.

Which foods steal calcium?

It is important to remember that there are foods that "steal" calcium from the body because of substances that hinder the absorption of this mineral.

Some substances hinder the absorption of calcium, especially coffee The most important thing is to avoid alcohol, soft drinks (especially cola-based), and salt in excess.

"Therefore, it is recommended that those people who take calcium supplements not consume them with meals, because this hinders the absorption of the mineral," recommends Dr. Roberta Frota.

Source: Dr. Roberta Frota Villas Boas, endocrinologist at Hospital 9 de Julho/Dasa.