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Squamous cell lung cancer hypercalcaemia — SCE Respiratory MCQ

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ModerateLung CancerSquamous cell lung cancer hypercalcaemiaSCE Respiratory

A 65-year-old man with a central squamous cell lung cancer is confused and constipated. Corrected calcium is 3.22 mmol/L, PTH is suppressed and renal function is mildly impaired. What is the most likely underlying cause?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: C — Paraneoplastic PTH-related peptide secretion

Squamous cell lung cancer commonly causes humoral hypercalcaemia through PTH-related peptide secretion, with suppressed endogenous PTH. SIADH is classically associated with small-cell lung cancer and causes hyponatraemia rather than hypercalcaemia. Vitamin D deficiency would lower calcium.

Reference: NICE NG122 Lung Cancer; Society for Endocrinology Hypercalcaemia Guidance