An Overview of Oncologic Emergencies - What Family Physicians and their Patients Need to Know

Abstract

Over the years, the number of cancer patients globally has increased exponentially, and the problem is now a growing one. Family Physicians take care of their patients on a day-to-day basis and are commonly the first to suspect and refer patients with malignancies. Consequently, early suspicion of a potential malignant process by the family physician is essential for prompt referral of the patient to a speciality centre, thereby resulting in early diagnosis and treatment, with a consequent reduction in both morbidity and mortality.  Hence, it is imperative for family physicians to be well acquainted with the knowledge of potential oncological emergencies which they could commonly encounter in the course of their busy medical practice.