Spontaneous tumor lysis syndrome (STLS) is a rare but serious condition that can cause life-threatening kidney failure and imbalances in electrolytes before treatment begins, often linked to aggressive cancers like small-cell liver carcinoma (SCLC).
A 64-year-old woman with newly diagnosed SCLC experienced symptoms such as jaundice and pain, leading to a high potassium and uric acid level before being treated with fluids and rasburicase, resulting in her recovery.
Understanding that SCLC can trigger STLS is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, as the condition is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates.