Oncological Emergencies Flashcards
what is malignant cord compression?
radiological evidence of indentation of the thecal sac secondary to cancer
which cancers are associated most bone mets leading to malignant cord compression?
lung
breast
kidney
prostate
thyroid
where in the spine do majority of malignant cord compression occur?
60% thoracic
30% lumbar
10% cervical
clinical features of cord compression?
- pain (severe, progressive)
- weakness (typically symmetrical)
- UMN lesions (increased tone, hyperreflexia, upgoing plantars)
difference in features between cord compression and cauda equina?
cord compression: back pain, paralysis, hyperreflexia, +ve babinskis
cauda equina: back pain radiculopathy, reduced anal tone, saddle anaesthesia, paralysis hyporeflexia, hypotonia
Ix to diagnose cord compression
MRI = gold standard
Mx of cord compression?
- analgesia
- VTE prophylaxis
- high dose dexamethasone
- radiotherapy as adjuvant to surgery (or stand alone if unable to undergo surgery)
what is malignant hypercalcaemia?
serum calcium >2.6mmol/L, secondary to malignant process
what are the most common malignancies associated with hyperparathyroidism?
breast cancer
multiple myelom a
lymphoma
lung cancer
what are the 3 main mechanisms that cause malignant hypercalcaemia?
osteolytic mets
PTH - related protein (PTHrP) secretion
increased 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D production
clinical features of malignant hypercalcaemia?
‘stones, bones, thrones, abdo groans, psychiatric mones’
renal stones
bone pain
polyuria
abdo pain
psychiatric features
Ix to diagnose malignant hypercalcaemia?
- serum calcium level calcium level >2.6
- identification of underlying cancer
(measure PTH as in malignant hypercalcaemia the PTH should be suppressed compared to primary hyperparathyroidism)
Mx of malignant hypercalcaemia?
IV rehydration, calcitonin and bisphosphonate therapy
admit to hosp if serum calcium >3mmol/L
what is neutropenic sepsis ?
fever >38 degrees OR features of sepsis in a pt with pt w/ neutrophil count of <0.5
causes of neutropenia?
genetic: congenital neutropenia, chediak-higashi syndrome
acquired: malignancy, infections, drugs, autoimmune