title: Hypercalcemia and treated breast cancers: the diagnostic dilemma.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Depatment of Head and Neck Surgery, Tata Memorial Hospital, Dr. Ernest Borges Road, Parel, Mumbai - 400 012, India. drvishalrao@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Vishal
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rao
authors.forename: Devendra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Chaukar
authors.forename: Anil K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: D'Cruz
mesh_terms: D000236:Adenoma / Q000150:complications*; D000368:Aged; D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000009:adverse effects; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000139:chemically induced; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000209:etiology*; D049950:Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / Q000150:complications; D008408:Mastectomy; D009378:Neoplasms, Multiple Primary / Q000150:complications*; D010282:Parathyroid Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D011878:Radiotherapy