EDISCIENCES

ABSTRACT

Abstract A tumor can be described as a classic example of a disease related to age. With the passing of time, carcinogenic factors accumulate in our body and decrease both the defense capacity of our immu- ne system and the mechanisms of cellular repair thus favoring the onset of cancer. The incidence of cancer increases dramatically starting at the age of 55 and statistics tell us that over 50% of total cases of cancer are found in patients over 70 years old. In fact, elderly patients, in addition to a natural and physiological physical and cognitive decline, very often present a series of comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular or pulmo- nary dysfunction, which are in themselves important risk factors and very often make patients more susceptible to complications and more vulnerable to oncologic emergencies.1 Oncologic emergencies can be classi ed into metabolic, hematolo- gic, structural, or treatment related. Early detection and intervention are essential both to increase the likelihood of survival and also to offer a better quality of life to the patient. Tumor lysis syndrome causes electrolyte abnormalities and requires water and electrolyte balance stabilization. Hypercalcemia of malignancy is treated with rehydration and intravenous bisphosphonates. Syndrome of inap- propriate antidiuretic hormone secretion is characterized by hypo- natremia in hypovolemia and is treated with uid restriction and hypertonic saline. Empiric antibiotic therapy is necessary in patients presenting febrile neutropenia. Hyperviscosity syndrome presents an increase of circulating serum immunoglobulins, typical of the hematologic malignancy and is commonly treated with plasmaphe- resis and targeted chemotherapy. Superior vena cava disease, ma- lignant epidural spinal cord compression, and malignant pericardial effusion are structural emergencies caused by the compression of nontumor structures exerted by an extrinsic mass, such as primary tumor, metastatic disease, or effusions secondary to cancer. These structural emergencies must be treated trying to remove the cau- sative compressive mass. Complications of cancer treatments are becoming more frequent and variable, and include, for example, extravasation injuries, gastrointestinal problems, and complications following immunotherapy or radiation therapy. KEYWORDS Tumor lysis syndrome, Hypercalcemia, Hyponatriemia, Neutropenia, Structural emergencies, Adverse effects.