

Under normal physiological conditions, PTH is activated when calcium levels in the blood drop, which ultimately results in increased calcium absorption from both the renal tubules and the intestines to correct the drop. Most cases of hypercalcemia of malignancy are associated with dysregulation of parathyroid hormone (PTH) and PTH-related peptide (PTHrP).

Increased blood calcium can be due to many pathological entities such as hypercalcemia of malignancies (common in advanced stage of cancer cases), primary hyperparathyroidism, vitamins K and D derangements, intestinal absorption, and pharmacological agents. However, this normal value may vary slightly between different laboratories due to differences in protocols. Hypercalcemia or increased blood level of calcium is calcium found in a concentration that is higher than the usual range of 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. These factors may be broadly categorized into two major causes, namely, an elevated calcium blood level (hypercalcemia) and tissue injury, both of which may be triggered by a plethora of conditions. While some instances of calcification may be completely harmless, there are those that may signal serious underlying disorders. This build-up of mineral may occur in specific tissues / organs or widely throughout the body. The abnormal accumulation of calcium in tissues where it should not be physiologically found happens as a result of many factors. Damien Jonas Wilson, MD Reviewed by Susha Cheriyedath, M.Sc.
