Oncologic emergencies

Oncologic emergencies may occur in patients who have no prior diagnosis of malignancy as well as in patients who are known to have cancer. It is important for the primary care practitioner to consider an oncologic cause for symptoms or problems that may bring a patient into the office. These symptoms often are vague and could be indicative of numerous problems frequently associated with individuals who have cancer. A brief overview of the most common oncologic emergencies is given, along with differential diagnostic possibilities and management strategies.