Cancer Burden and Trends Global Statistics Cancer is a major public health concern worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that cancer is the first or second leading cause of death before age 70 years in the majority of countries.…
Introduction to the Cancer Patient Conveying or receiving an initial diagnosis of cancer, or the knowledge that cancer has recurred, is among the most difficult of human enterprises, and no amount of either specialized training or forewarning can adequately assuage…
Hematopoietic cell transplantation is a procedure by which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells are infused intravenously to restore hematopoiesis and immune function following a chemotherapy conditioning regimen, with or without radiation therapy, that ablates the endogenous hematopoietic and immune system.…
Blood transfusion can be lifesaving and is currently the safest it has ever been. However, blood transfusion is associated with multiple adverse outcomes, including both noninfectious and infectious complications. The benefits and risks of transfusion can be considered for each…
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation Definition Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), also referred to as consumptive coagulopathy or defibrination, is caused by a wide variety of serious disorders ( Table 161-1 ). In most patients, the underlying process dominates the clinical picture, but…
Coagulation Deficiencies Severe coagulation deficiencies, or coagulopathies, are typically characterized by spontaneous or provoked bleeding, such as during surgery or trauma, and may result in life- or limb-threatening complications. By contrast, moderate and mild coagulopathies may remain clinically silent until…