The Art of Medicine Near the End of Life

Case Scenario:  You are caring for a previously healthy 52 year old man with a one-month of abdominal pain and weight loss. On exam he had a 2 cm hard left supraclavicular lymph node. A CT scan showed a focal mass with ulceration in the body of the stomach and numerous densities in the liver compatible with liver metastases. The radiologist feels that the findings are consistent with metastatic stomach cancer. How do you discuss these test results with the patient?

Case Scenario:  You are caring for a previously healthy 52 year old man with a new problem of abdominal pain. After conservative treatments fail, a diagnostic abdominal CT scan is done showing a focal mass with ulceration in the body of the stomach and numerous (more than 10) densities in the liver compatible with liver metastases. The radiologist feels that the findings are absolutely typical of metastatic stomach cancer. How do you prepare to discuss these test results with the patient?

'The Art of Medicine at the End of Life'-- The Cunniff-Dixon Foundation's one-day palliative care symposium designed for physicians in all specialties--took place on May 8th, 2009 at the New York Academy of Medicine.  This highly interactive course used short didactic presentations, discussions, and case presentations to enhance one's understanding, comfort level, and skill in working with patients who are at or near the end of their lives.  Click the link below to learn more about faculty, presentation materials, and discussion topics.