MEDRADSC 2T03 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Oropharyngeal Cancer, Nasopharynx Cancer, Colorectal Cancer
27 Jun 2016
School
Department
Course
Professor
Document Summary
Hemorrhage can be defined as significant bleeding from the blood vessels. This can be any profuse internal or external bleeding that escapes the circulatory system. External bleeding can leak through natural openings such as the mouth, nose, ear, urethra, vagina, anus or through a break in the skin. Cases of excessive bleeding can range between 6-14% of patients with advanced cancer. Hemorrhage is the immediate cause of death in approximately 6% of cancer patients. The causes of hemorrhaging in an oncologic aspect can include: Local infiltration of blood vessels by a tumour. Local inflammation around surgery or radiotherapy sites result in an increased risk of bleeding. Newer chemotherapeutic agents have a direct effect on angiogenesis and can prohibit healing of tissues after surgery. Liver disease, biliary obstruction or bowel problems due to complications of the tumour can lead to deficiencies in clotting factors. Anticoagulants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents that compromise platelet function.
