Alba López-Fdez, Rocío Ruiz-Cacho, Sonia Mas-Font, Pedro Castro
Patients with cancer are an increasingly frequent population in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) worldwide. Although the main reasons for ICU admission are similar to those of other critically ill patients, cancer patients may experience severe complications that are specific to their underlying oncological condition. Such complications are known as oncological emergencies. These conditions differ from other critical illnesses in their pathophysiology and management, and prompt recognition is essential to improving patient outcomes. This article describes key features of selected oncological emergencies, outlines general management principles, and highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic particularities of the most relevant conditions.