Complete resolution of refractory hypercalcemia following pneumonectomy in squamous cell carcinoma of the lung

Patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the lung, amenable to complete resection, can suffer symptomatic humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM). This can compromise performance status and, ultimately, the candidacy for resection. Two cases highlighting initial pharmacological attempts at pre-operative correction of both clinical performance and elevated serum calcium levels are reported. Both patients received unsuccessful treatment leading to premature cessation of pharmacological measures and ultimately proceeded to complete tumor resection.