Paraneoplastic hypercalcemia in clear cell ovarian adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND Hypercalcemia has been reported in association with a number of malignancies, but it is an unusual manifestation of ovarian cancer. This finding at presentation (possibly aggravated by oral calcium intake) led to discovery of a clear cell carcinoma of the ovary. The implications and pathophysiology of this association are reviewed. CASE REPORT Following presentation with abdominal symptoms, this premenopausal woman was found to have bilateral adnexal masses and hypercalcemia. Her parathormone-related polypeptide was found to be elevated. After surgery and staging, she received adjuvant carboplatin and paclitaxel (later substituted by docetaxel). She has done well on her long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS This rare paraneoplastic manifestation of ovarian cancer may be associated with long-term survival if discovered at an early stage. In this instance, further benefit may have been obtained from adjuvant platinum-based chemotherapy.