Hemorrhagic pericardial effusion with associated cardiac tamponade as a de novo sign of malignancy is seen in about 2% of patients.1 Consequently, cardiac tamponade is an oncologic emergency and considered a unique presentation of a malignancy.2 Cancer emergency is defined as an acute condition that is caused directly by the cancer itself or its treatment and requires intervention to avoid death or significant morbidity.3 The mechanism by which cardiac tamponade is classified as a life-threatening emergency stems from its impairment of right ventricular filling, resulting in ventricular diastolic collapse and decreased cardiac output, which can ultimately lead to death.4
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