DefinitionHypercalcemia is too much calcium in the blood.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsCalcium is important to many body functions, including:Bone formationHormone releaseMuscle contractionNerve and brain functionParathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D help manage calcium balance in the body. PTH is made by the parathyroid glands -- four small glands located in the neck behind the thyroid gland. Vitamin D is obtained when the skin is exposed to sunlight, and from dietary sources such as:Egg yolksFishFortified cerealsFortified dairy productsPrimary hyperparathyroidism is the most common cause of hypercalcemia. It is due to excess PTH release by the parathyroid glands. This excess occurs due to an enlargement of one or more of the parathyroid glands, or a growth (usually not cancer) on