Symptom 8. Hypercalcemia: The Calcium Overload Crisis
Hypercalcemia might sound like a term straight out of a medical textbook, but its implications in plasmacytoma are very tangible. In simpler terms, it denotes an elevated calcium level in the bloodstream. But why would a bone tumor lead to this?
Bones are calcium’s primary storage sites. As plasmacytomas grow, they can cause bone destruction, leading to a calcium surge in the blood. But it’s not just about an overload; this calcium imbalance can wreak havoc on various body functions.
One of the first signs might be frequent thirst and urination. The body, in its bid to flush out excess calcium, increases urine production. But this is just the tip of the iceberg. The digestive system can join the fray, leading to stomach upsets and reduced appetite.
There’s also a mental component. Elevated calcium levels can muddle thinking, leading to confusion or even lethargy. It’s a reminder that the body is an interconnected web, and a disturbance in one area can cascade into various systems. (8)
