Oncologic emergencies: Pathophysiology, presentation, diagnosis, and treatment

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Emergency Medicine
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Oncologic emergencies can manifest at any stage of malignancy, including during recurrence, years after active treatment.
• These critical events are not limited to initial diagnosis or active therapy periods.
• Clinician awareness of a patient's cancer history is vital for managing potential complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review common oncologic emergencies encountered in patients with malignancies.
• To emphasize the importance of prompt identification and intervention in improving patient outcomes.
• To cover emergencies related to both the malignancy itself and its treatment.

Main Methods:

• This article provides a review of various oncologic emergencies.
• It synthesizes information on conditions such as hypercalcemia, tumor lysis syndrome, and superior vena cava syndrome.
• Chemotherapeutic emergencies are also discussed.

Main Results:

• Prompt identification and intervention in oncologic emergencies can prolong survival.
• Effective management improves quality of life, even in terminal illness.
• A comprehensive understanding of these emergencies is essential for all clinicians.

Conclusions:

• Oncologic emergencies necessitate ongoing vigilance and clinical knowledge.
• Early recognition and management are key to optimizing patient care and outcomes.
• This review highlights critical conditions that require immediate attention in cancer patients.