Open AccessHypercalcemia and treated breast cancers: The diagnostic dilemma
Author(s) -
Vishal Rao,
Devendra Chaukar,
Anil D‘Cruz
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of cancer research and therapeutics/journal of cancer research and therapeutics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.475
H-Index - 39
eISSN - 0973-1482
pISSN - 1998-4138
DOI - 10.4103/0973-1482.48770
Subject(s) - medicine , primary hyperparathyroidism , malignancy , breast cancer , oncology , cancer , hyperparathyroidism , metastatic breast cancer , disease
The relationship of hypercalcemia with cancer is well described in the literature. Breast cancer is the commonest malignancy associated with hypercalcemia; the detection of hypercalcemia in these patients usually signifies metastatic disease and is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the treating oncologist should keep in mind that a strong correlation exists between breast cancer and primary hyperparathyroidism. We present a case of a patient of treated breast cancer who, in the absence of metastatic bone disease, developed hypercalcemia due to hyperparathyroidism secondary to a parathyroid adenoma.