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

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

doi:10.5055/jom.2007.0016

Authors

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

DOI:

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

Keywords:

crescendo pain, substance abuse, communication

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.

Author Biographies

Bruce Z. Kaplan, MD

Clinical Medical Director, Medicine Associates, Weston, Connecticut.

Reed Phillips, MD

Senior Medical Director, Hospice Care Network, Woodbury, New York.

Dan Ratner, BA

Integrative Pain Medicine Associates, Weston, Connecticut.

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