Symptom 10: High Blood Calcium Levels: The Silent Indicator
Hidden beneath the surface, unnoticeable in day-to-day activities, high blood calcium levels, known medically as hypercalcemia, serve as a tell-tale sign of ATC. This symptom can be especially stealthy, as it often doesn’t cause noticeable changes until calcium levels are significantly high.
Hypercalcemia is a metabolic condition that may occur when ATC produces parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP), which tricks the body into releasing stored calcium from the bones into the bloodstream. This release is beyond what’s necessary for normal body functions, leading to an excessive amount of calcium in the blood.
Early on, high calcium levels may not cause any symptoms at all. As calcium levels continue to climb, though, you might start feeling unusually tired or thirsty, finding yourself reaching for that water bottle more often. Bathroom breaks might also increase, both during the day and at night, disrupting sleep and daily activities.
When calcium levels climb even higher, more severe symptoms can occur. Constipation might be a complaint, the result of the digestive system slowing down. Mental confusion, memory problems, and even severe depression could set in as high calcium levels affect the brain’s functioning.
In extreme cases, hypercalcemia can lead to kidney stones or even kidney failure. While these complications are serious, recognizing the subtle signs of high blood calcium levels can help detect ATC early. This stealthy symptom, often overlooked, is another crucial piece in understanding the enigmatic puzzle of Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer. (10)
