Persistent Fever While on Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics in a Patient With Squamous Cell Carcinoma

For solid tumor patients, acute infectious process is often underestimated, especially when caused by fungal, viral, or other atypical pathogens. Providers should perform a comprehensive infectious workup to rule out uncommon pathogen-induced infection before considering tumor fever. Active infection can be life threatening given most patients with cancer are receiving chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or even cellular therapy, as is the case with the patient discussed in this article.