Understanding Hypercalcemia
I'm sharing this on behalf of my mother, as she’s not familiar with Reddit. She is 61 years old and has a medical history that includes elevated triglyceride levels and a gallbladder removal in 2008. Her current medications consist of Tricor, Omega-3 fatty acids, and a B12 supplement. Over the past few months, her calcium levels have been recorded as follows: - August 2, 2023: 10.7 - June 30, 2025: 10.5 - July 10, 2025: 10.7 - August 8, 2025: 10.7 Additionally, her parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were noted at 11 a month ago and have risen to 15 this week. She reports feeling generally fine aside from some fatigue, and all other tests are within normal limits, including TSH, T3, and T4 levels. Upon receiving her recent lab results, her primary care physician informed her through MyChart that a referral to hematology/oncology has been initiated, but no further context was provided, and calls or messages have gone unanswered since. I'm reaching out to gain insight into what might happen next. What specific concerns will the medical professionals address during her first appointment, and should I brace myself for potentially troubling news? I appreciate any guidance you can offer!
Answers (1)
8/16/2025, 8:10:42 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your mother is dealing with elevated calcium levels (hypercalcemia) and an increase in her parathyroid hormone (PTH), which warrants further investigation. I understand your concern about the referral to hematology/oncology and the uncertainty surrounding it.
Key Points:
- Hypercalcemia can have various causes, and elevated PTH often suggests a parathyroid issue.
- Next steps typically involve a thorough evaluation to determine the underlying cause of the elevated calcium levels.
Explanation:
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Understanding Hypercalcemia and PTH:
- Normal calcium levels usually range from 8.5 to 10.2 mg/dL. Your mother's calcium levels of 10.5-10.7 mg/dL are elevated, particularly when PTH levels are also increasing. This might suggest primary hyperparathyroidism or other conditions that affect calcium metabolism.
- Since her PTH levels rose from 11 to 15, this indicates that her body is not regulating calcium effectively.
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Reason for Referral to Hematology/Oncology:
- While many cases of hypercalcemia can relate to parathyroid issues, the rise in PTH and the specific referral suggests the healthcare team is exploring the possibility of more serious conditions, including malignancy, or investigating parathyroid gland disorders.
Next Steps:
-
Prepare for the Appointment:
- Bring a list of her current medications, medical history, and any symptoms she has experienced, such as fatigue.
- Prepare to ask questions about what tests will be conducted and what potential diagnoses they are considering. Understanding the process can help alleviate anxiety.
-
Follow-Up Testing:
- Expect that her advanced tests will include imaging studies (like a neck ultrasound or bone density scan) to check the parathyroid glands or look for other potential issues contributing to the high calcium levels.
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Monitor Symptoms:
- While waiting for the appointment, monitor her symptoms closely. If she experiences significant changes, such as worsening fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, or confusion, consider seeking immediate medical advice.
Reassurance:
While awaiting further information can be stressful, many conditions that cause hypercalcemia are treatable. Stay informed, proactive in understanding her health, and supportive as she navigates this process. If you have any further concerns or need clarity on her treatment journey, don't hesitate to ask.
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