Endocrine and metabolic emergencies

Abstract

This chapter discusses endocrine and metabolic complications in cancer patients. Cancer and its treatment can lead to endocrine and metabolic abnormalities. Some of these abnormalities can be long term or delayed, and emergency care providers must be aware of these issues in cancer survivors as well as patients with active malignancies. Routine assessment of chemistry tests in the laboratory often reveals abnormalities in cancer patients visiting emergency departments. Emergency physicians must be aware of potentially serious underlying causes of these abnormalities to make appropriate decisions regarding cancer patients.