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Malignant paraganglioma
1Wilshire Oncology Medical Group, Inc., La Verne, CA, and 2University of California, San Francisco Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA
A common problem in the practice of oncology and hematology is the patient with a rare malignancy, where the challenge to the clinician is to rapidly gain an understanding of the latest thinking and treatment approaches, determine how and where this care can be delivered, and then establish how to get that treatment plan paid for by insurance or other sources. As a recent case in point from their practices, the authors present the case history of a 43-year-old man with a metastatic paraganglioma. The case illustrates the myriad issues and challenges faced by the doctor, staff, patient, family, consulting experts, lawyers, and insurers in developing and implementing a complex treatment plan. The methods used to achieve a successful outcome for this patient are discussed, plus suggested newer approaches that might improve care for patients with this and other rare cancers.
| Commun Oncol 2004;1:47–52 | full text |  121 kb |