Finding into death of Ms AC

73y · Female·Metastatic oesophageal cancer

Ms AC, a 73-year-old woman with longstanding physical disabilities, died from metastatic oesophageal cancer. She presented with progressive swallowing difficulties, weight loss, and elevated inflammatory markers from December 2022. Her GP appropriately investigated with a barium swallow in February 2023 revealing an oesophageal abnormality. She was admitted to hospital in March 2023 where oesophageal cancer was diagnosed on gastroscopy and biopsy. Oncology deemed the condition incurable and palliative care was initiated. An oesophageal stent was placed to improve oral intake. She was discharged for home-based palliative care but readmitted with increased drowsiness and died peacefully. The clinical pathway appears appropriate with timely investigations, prompt diagnosis, and compassionate end-of-life management in a woman with advanced metastatic disease.