Oncologic emergencies Flashcards
Tumor Lysis Syndrome
When patient is getting treated for cancer when the tumors are lysed the biproducts of that overflow the body and cause complications
common in lymphomas and leukemias
TSL risk factors
Age, preexisting renal impairment, comcomitant use of drugs known to increase uric acid (aspirin, thiazide, diuretics)
TSL treatment - intermediate
Hydration
allopurinol - does not break down elevated levels of uric acid this only prevents further uric acid build up
TSL treatment - severe
hydration and Rasburicase (this will prevent further uric acid build up and break down already formed uric acid
Rasburicase is CONTRAINDICATED IN PREGO OR BREASTFEEDING
Malignant spinal cord compression
Early diagnosis and treatment is ESSENTIAL
MSCC treatment
Dexamethasone immediately around the clock
Radiotherapy
Surgery
MSCC diagnosis
MRI of full spine
MSCC treatment after surgery
Bisphosphonates
Zoledronic acid
Superior Vena cava syndrome
Swelling of the neck and face
Hypotension, stridor
SVC syndrom treatment
Biopsy, scan before treating
Adjunctive therapy
- elevation of the head
- steroid
- diuretics
Malignant pleural effusion (MPE)
most common in lung cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma
Fluid develop in the pleural space around the lungs
Usually present with dyspnea, chest pain
Need Xray of the chest
Drain fluid and look at fluid under microscope
MPE treatment
Thoracentesis - draining the fluid off of the patient
dont drain more than 1 liter of fluid
Pleurodesis - inject medication in the pleural space to cause scaring so that fluid cannot build up again
Pleural catheters and pleurectomy - put a drain in for the patient and they can drain their fluid on their own - this is really only for patients that are not seeing improvements with the other treatments
