Hypercalcemia due to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Authors

  • Shipra Chaudhary Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
  • Jeetendra Prasad Sah Department of Paediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.2865

Keywords:

Humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy (HHM); Hypercalcemia; Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)

Abstract

Hypercalcemia is one of rare metabolic disorders associated with hyperparathyroidism, malignancy and various other causes. Although common in adult malignancies, hypercalcemia is rare in pediatrics and purports poor prognosis. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma is rare with no reported hypercalcemic presentation. We present here a case of hypercalcemia in a child of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A 10 year girl presented with backache for 1 month, epistaxis, cough, chest pain for 1 week alongwith anorexia and weight loss. Investigations revealed anemia and hypercalcemia (23mg/dl; normal range 9-11 mg/dl) with hyperphosphatemia, normal parathyroid levels. Hypercalcemic crisis was managed with saline, furosemide and bisphosphonate. Computed Tomography of paranasal sinuses revealed mass in right nasal cavity. Endoscopic biopsy disclosed undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma and the child expired. Thus, hypercalcemia, though rare, may complicate advanced tumors. NPC, being rare in children, requires high index of suspicion with careful clinicoradiological examination and timely management for better chances of survival.

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Published

2017-03-31

How to Cite

Chaudhary, S., & Sah, J. P. (2017). Hypercalcemia due to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Journal of Nepal Medical Association, 56(205), 182–185. https://doi.org/10.31729/jnma.2865

Issue

Vol. 56 No. 205 (2017)

Section

Case Reports

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