Spontaneous tumour lysis syndrome in small cell lung cancer: a rare phenomenon

BMJ Case Rep. 2018 Jun 13:2018:bcr2018224512. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2018-224512.

Abstract

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is an oncological emergency. It is caused by cellular death occurring secondary to cancer therapy or spontaneously in rapidly dividing tumours. More common in haematological malignancies, it has also been reported in solid tumours. Out of 14 cases of small cell lung cancer (SCLC) with TLS, only three cases of spontaneous TLS have been reported in literature to date. Here we report a case of SCLC presenting as a spontaneous TLS.

Keywords: cancer - see oncology; lung cancer (oncology).

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Diseases / complications*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / pathology*
  • Carcinoma, Neuroendocrine / secondary
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Liver Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Liver Neoplasms / secondary
  • Lung Neoplasms / complications*
  • Male
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / complications*
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / diagnostic imaging
  • Small Cell Lung Carcinoma / pathology
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome / etiology*