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The prevalence of cancer continues to grow globally every year. With therapeutic advances over the recent decades, the prevalence of individuals living with cancer continues to increase. Internal medicine residents can see patients admitted to the hospital for cancer-related emergencies. Early identification and appropriate management of these emergencies have been shown to improve mortality and morbidity. In this article, we aim to review the recent updates in the management of commonly encountered oncologic emergencies in the practice of internal medicine residents. This review will cover spinal cord compression, superior vena cava syndrome, tumor lysis syndrome, hypercalcemia, pericardial tamponade, hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, bowel obstruction, increased intracranial pressure, leukostasis, hyperviscosity syndrome, neutropenic fever, and hypersensitivity reactions., Competing Interests: The copyright rights to reproduce table 1 (Spine Instability Neoplastic score), table 2 (MASCC risk index factors and weights), table 3 (Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia [CISNE] factors and score) and figure 1 (Management of hyperviscosity syndrome [Gertz 2018]) was obtained from Elsevier., (Copyright © 2023, Baralo et al.)

Aorto-enteric fistula is defined as an abnormal connection between the gastrointestinal system and the aorta. The patients who develop this condition usually have a grim prognosis and the cases are universally fatal unless intervened with an endovascular repair or open surgical repair. Given the rarity and the relative unfamiliarity of this condition, an understanding of the presentation, pathogenesis, and management is vital to prevent catastrophic complications., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Gadela et al.)

Lactate, or lactic acid, is an end-product of anaerobic metabolism. The build-up of lactate in the body is commonly due to type A lactic acidosis, resulting from an inability to meet the body's oxygen delivery demands. When lactic acidosis persists, other causes need to be ruled out. Here, we describe the case of a 63-year-old female who initially presented with hypoglycemia and was found to have significant lactic acidosis. Her blood sugar levels improved with dextrose supplementation; however, lactic acidosis persisted despite fluid hydration and empiric antibiotics. After excluding other causes of lactic acidosis, she was started on intravenous thiamine due to suspicion of thiamine deficiency secondary to poor nutrition. Lactic acid levels improved drastically after starting thiamine supplementation. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an essential role as a cofactor in several biochemical reactions. Thiamine deficiency is a rare, underdiagnosed cause of type B lactic acidosis, with early diagnosis and intervention playing crucial roles in preventing severe cardiac and neurological impairment., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Thota et al.)

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies, often detected at later stages as patients remain asymptomatic until later stages. Pernicious anemia (PA), a well-known cause of vitamin B12 deficiency, is a classic risk factor for gastric cancer. Patients with PA usually present with megaloblastic anemia and peripheral neuropathy; however, they can also present with nonspecific symptoms. We describe below the case of a 56-year-old male who presented with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Initial lab work revealed severe B12 deficiency, pancytopenia, and intramedullary hemolysis warranting endoscopy that revealed a gastric fundus mass significant for adenocarcinoma on biopsy., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2021, Thota et al.)

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis (TPP) is characterized by a classic triad of muscle paralysis, hypokalemia, and hyperthyroidism. The underlying thyroid disorder is often very subtle making it challenging to recognize TPP. It is a completely reversible condition if diagnosed early; however, it is associated with fatal outcomes if delayed., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Gadela et al.)

Primary vaginal malignant melanoma is an extremely rare and aggressive tumor with very few reported cases worldwide. It often occurs in post-menopausal women, with a mean age of 57 years. The most common presenting symptom is vaginal bleeding. Other less common presenting symptoms are vaginal discharge, vaginal mass, and pain. Vaginal melanomas are often diagnosed at an advanced stage, and despite the aggressive treatment approach, the prognosis is poor. We present to you a case of a 56-year-old post-menopausal woman who presented with intermittent vaginal bleeding and passage of dark clots. She was found to have symptomatic anemia requiring blood transfusions. Further workup revealed a mass in the upper vagina on imaging studies, and the patient eventually underwent a biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of malignant melanoma of the vagina on pathological examination., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Paravathaneni et al.)

A chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid that occurs when the eyelid's oil gland clogs up. Bortezomib is an FDA-approved novel agent for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM). Recently, there have been a few case reports on the possible association between eyelid chalazion and bortezomib therapy. We describe the case of an 87-year-old female diagnosed with MM who developed bilateral eye chalazion after being initiated on bortezomib. She was evaluated by an ophthalmologist, started on eye lubricants and antibiotic eye drops, and the bortezomib was discontinued until the resolution of the lesions was achieved. Physicians should be aware of these ocular complications of bortezomib, as early intervention can prevent worsening eyelid complications., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2020, Paravathaneni et al.)