Overview
Introduction
An oncologic emergency is a cancer or treatment related problem in which a small change can progress rapidly to organ failure.
An oncologic emergency is a cancer- or treatment-related problem in which a small change can progress rapidly to organ failure. The patterns differ: tumour lysis syndrome destabilizes electrolytes and renal function; superior vena cava syndrome obstructs upper-body venous return; spinal cord compression threatens motor, sensory, and bladder function; hypercalcaemia affects hydration, neurological status, and cardiac conduction; and disseminated intravascular coagulation consumes clotting components while causing bleeding and thrombosis. The bedside question is not simply which syndrome is present. It is which organ is threatened now, which finding will change the plan, and how quickly escalation is required. Tumour lysis syndrome deserves particular attention because the patient may deteriorate biochemically before the physical examination becomes dramatic.