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Locally invasive and metastatic endometrial cancer: Multiple issues functioning in a multidirectional manner

Bruce Z. Kaplan, MD, Reed Phillips, MD, Dan Ratner, BA

Abstract


A 32-year-old woman with locally invasive and metastatic endometrial cancer was admitted to the hospital for the treatment of crescendo pain. The effectiveness of her medical and psychosocial care was mitigated by four issues: (1) the intractable nature of her pain, (2) substance abuse, (3) mental illness, and (4) interorganizational conflict. This case report is both a chronicle and review of the literature of these multiple issues that converged together to adversely effect the patient’s overall care.

Keywords


crescendo pain, substance abuse, communication

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2007.0016

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