Emergencies in oncology. Current management.

Malignant neoplasms may cause life-threatening complications requiring prompt diagnosis and emergency therapy. Whether or not the underlying neoplasm is potentially curable, the physician can often provide worthwhile prolongation of life and dramatic symptomatic relief. Among the serious complications of neoplasia are superior vena cava obstruction, airway obstruction, pericardial tamponade, spinal cord compression, brain metastasis, meningeal involvement by cancer, hyperuricemia, hypercalcemia and hyperkalemia.