Oncological emergencies associated with gastrointestinal tumors

Authors Klaas Prenen, Hans Prenen.

Abstract

Oncological emergencies are defi ned as acute life-threatening conditions in cancer patients either as a result of the malignancy or as a result of its treatment. In this review, we focus on oncological emergencies associated with gastrointestinal tumors. They can be categorized by their system of origin as hematologic, neurologic or metabolic. Furthermore, we discuss mechanical emergencies such as intestinal obstruction and vena cava superior syndrome as well as acute gastrointestinal bleeding and pulmonary embolism. The patients' performance status as well as prognosis are essential during decision making for optimal treatment.

Keywords Emergency, digestive oncology, oncological emergency

Ann Gastroenterol 2015; 28 (4): 426-430

Published
2015-09-25
Issue
Volume 28, No 4 (2015)
Section
Invited Reviews